Scleroderma and the Heart: Complications and Treatments
About Scleroderma Heart Complications and Treatments
Heart involvement in scleroderma may be mild or severe. In some cases, it may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. This is why regular monitoring is important.
Some of the most common heart complications in scleroderma include:
- Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle
- Pericarditis – inflammation of the sac around the heart
- Pericardial effusion – fluid around the heart
- Abnormal heart rhythms – arrhythmias
- Conduction defects – affect the electrical signals of the heart resulting in arrhythmias
- Diastolic dysfunction – when the heart has trouble relaxing and filling properly
In rare or advanced cases, there can be heart failure. Scleroderma can also increase the risk of coronary artery disease. In addition, other complications, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), may place extra strain on the heart and worsen symptoms.
Watch for These Signs and Symptoms of Scleroderma Heart Issues
Heart involvement in scleroderma may be mild or severe. In some cases, it may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. This is why regular monitoring is important.
Symptoms of heart involvement can vary and may overlap with lung, muscle, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Watch for:
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Fatigue or unusual weakness
- Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
Difficulty breathing at night
Some cardiac symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other complications of scleroderma. Regular heart screening and early evaluation can help detect problems before they become serious.
Watch Webinars about Scleroderma Heart & Vascular Complications
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