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Cardiovascular risk with PMR

Posted by wynclute @wynclute, 6 days ago

I saw this mentioned in one of the conversations. I did not know there was an association between PMR and cardiovascular issues. I was disappointed and scared to find out recently that I have worsening artherosclerosis. I would like to understand more about this association. I will appreciate suggested sources for learning more about this. Thanks.

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wynclute | @wynclute | 4 days ago

Thanks for all the good information.
I cannot believe how much I did not know about what was happening to me.
As I reflect on it, both my grandfathers were doctors. Although I thought I was aware of issues around my health, I have not done my own research about medications and side effects.

Having this group is so helpful.

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katenz | @katenz | 4 days ago
In reply to @jeff97 "I know that prednisone can increase blood sugar, blood pressure, and also cholesterol, and all of..." + (show)
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I know that prednisone can increase blood sugar, blood pressure, and also cholesterol, and all of those increase the risk of heart disease. My cholesterol went up when I was on prednisone almost enough to where I needed to start taking a statin. But it went back down as I tapered to where I didn't need treatment.

All of those side effects can be treated as needed, along with possible decreased bone density, and possible vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Prednisone works well for PMR and GCA, but the side effects need to be monitored.

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@jeff97 Thank you! This explains some cholesterol changes for me although now on low doses of prednisone so hopefully this won’t get worse (I’ve had pmr for 3+ years and seem to be stuck around the 4-5 mg dose). I did however get cataracts real fast- thankfully dealt with but I think it is important to be aware of the potential long term side effects.

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Mike | @dadcue | 4 days ago
In reply to @katenz "@jeff97 Thank you! This explains some cholesterol changes for me although now on low doses of..." + (show)
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@jeff97 Thank you! This explains some cholesterol changes for me although now on low doses of prednisone so hopefully this won’t get worse (I’ve had pmr for 3+ years and seem to be stuck around the 4-5 mg dose). I did however get cataracts real fast- thankfully dealt with but I think it is important to be aware of the potential long term side effects.

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@katenz

I was devastated when I had early onset cataract formation at the age of 40 because of prednisone. My 20/20 vision deteriorated rapidly but I had cataract surgery which restored my vision. Fast forward 30 years and I still have the same lens implants. My vision is still remarkably good.

It is incredible that I still have good vision considering I have had more than 30 flares of uveitis. I lost count at 30 flares. I have to say that high doses of prednisone also spared my vision many times.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378734
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Why are you stuck on a 4-5 mg dose? Are you aware that secondary adrenal insufficiency is a potential long term side effect of Prednisone? I got stuck on 7 mg for this reason but somehow I managed to get past that prednisone side effect too.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10257969/

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ggarrepy | @ggarrepy | 3 days ago
In reply to @jeff97 "@ggarrepy You could try Kevzara or methotrexate. They both can take up to 3 months to..." + (show)
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@ggarrepy You could try Kevzara or methotrexate. They both can take up to 3 months to take full effect, but you would get some benefit before then.

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@jeff97 Thank you. Will check it out.

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