Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Cardiac Involvement in Sjogren's Syndrome?

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Check out this recently published study regarding Sjogren's syndrome and heart function:

Clinical Investigative Medicine, 2012 Oct 6;35(5):E303.

Atrial electromechanical delay and diastolic dysfunction in primary Sjögren syndrome.
Akyel A, Tavil Y, Tufan A, Yayla C, Kaya A, Tezcan ME, Ozturk MA, Boyaci B. Etlik Ihtisas Education and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey.

PURPOSE: In this study we aimed to investigate myocardial function and atrial electromechanical properties by conventional and tissue doppler echocardiography in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome.

CONCLUSION: Myocardial function is disturbed and there is significant atrial electromechanical delay in patients with primary SS. This study is the first to show altered myocardial function and atrial electromechanical properties in primary SS.

I find the results of this small study (Forty patients with Sjogren's syndrome and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers) intriguing. However, because of the small population of the study, I would guess that many more studies of similar nature would need to be conducted on a much larger scale to confirm their conclusion.

If you want to learn more about the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart, and specifically electrical conduction aspects of the heart which causes the heart to beat, read this, and this

6 comments:

stephanie said...

I just saw this article last week. I was doing a little research as I had to wear a heart monitor last week. The last year my heart has quite often had Premature Ventricular Contractions. It feels like a missed beat, but is apparently just extra fast on a beat, but the next beat is harder. And uncomfortable. Waiting for the cardiologist's comments, but I am guessing he will just say it is normal PVCs. I will tell my rheum next month at my appt about this article.

Kelly said...

You mean all those ectopic beats and palpitations I blamed on tea and stress could more Sjoggie stuff all along? Huh. Is that one more check mark in the yes column under, "Does this woman have primary Sjs?

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this information. My heart palpitations have been driving me crazy. So far the doctor is monitoring but not overly concerned. He scoffed at my supposition that this could be SS related. Is there anything than can be done about this? I'm desperate. It's worse even than the dry eyes.

Anonymous said...

Sorry it cut me off! I assume this issue is related to neuropathy and possibly exacerbated by dehydration. Is there another cause out there? I will try anything. Thank you again.

Anonymous said...

Hi guys. Sjogrens here. Ive also been seeing a cardiologists who put me on fish oil pills. Theyve decreased the pvcs TREMENDOUSLY. hope this heps.

Susan said...

Recently diagnosed with atrial electro whatever....I am 65 and have been living with Primary Sjogren's since I was 54. I also have Fibromyalgia. However since being diagnosed with PSS, it has affected other areas of MT body. I have Barrett's Esophagus, MGUS...mono clonal protein of unknown source, chronic fatigue, brain fog etc. Oh yes, I have dry eyes.mouth, dry everything!

I will now be on heart medication for the rest of my life. I am grateful for all the research being done by the Sjogren's Foundation.

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