Bronchiectasis and heart disease

Posted by spectrumcyclist @spectrumcyclist, Sep 6 8:05pm

This could be longer story, but to save time. . . . 2 weeks ago I was having chest pain and I went to my ER. I was worked up for cardiac issues and told that their best judgment was my issues were from my bronchiectasis, which has been smoldering and been treated with steroids this summer. Last night my wife made me go back the ER and this time they said I have to stay to get a catheterization. My cardiologist saw me today and said my problems may arise from the bronchiectasis or quiescent ulcerative colitis that I am also treated for. Has anyone else been told that their cardiac issues were possibly the result of bronchiectasis?

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pacathy | @pacathy | Sep 7 7:35am

I'm sorry you're having a tough time with both your bronchiectasis and chest pain. I'm glad they're taking a look.
I've never had chest pain, but know I have some coronary artery disease because of the incidental findings on CT.
Inflammation is a factor in bronchiectasis and coronary artery disease. Therefore, the general answer is that they're related. I'm betting that your specific question is if chest pain has been caused by bronchiectasis. I hope others chime in.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 7 8:44am

@spectrumcyclist - Do you think they were saying you have cardiac issues caused by your bronchiectasis, or that the symptoms, which seemed to indicate a heart issue, were actually caused by your BE.
If they are progressing to heart catherization, their findings will tell you which it is.

Like Cathy, I have both bronchiectasis and coronary artery disease, as well as inflammatory arthritis and asthma - all caused by an over-responsive immune system. I blamed my chest tightness and shortness of breath on asthma for a couple of years, until an ECG while I had Covid sent me to the ER - from there we progressed to an angiogram and the correct diagnosis.

So the short answer is - no BE doesn't cause heart disease, but your body may predispose you to it.

westcottkm3040 | @westcottkm3040 | Sep 7 11:36am

From what I’ve read. And it’s a lot as I’ve had BE and MAC 10 years. They can cause some heart issues as your heart is over compensating for the lungs. Especially if you have a lower oxygen %.
I have right atrial overload due to my heart helping my lungs.
It’s not at this point an issue. So they just do EKG’s every 60 days to keep an eye on it.
They did an echo and a few other tests this summer to check everything. Rest ok.