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Cardiac alterations in ankylosing spondylitis.
M G Alves1, J Espirito-Santo, M V Queiroz
1Department of Cardiology, Sta. Maria University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
Angiology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Cardiovascular issues are common in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study found significant cardiac involvement, including hypertension and bradycardia, in AS patients, suggesting a broader impact than previously recognized.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton.
- Cardiovascular involvement in AS is increasingly recognized but not fully characterized.
- Early identification of cardiac manifestations is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the spectrum of cardiovascular manifestations in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
- To assess the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in a cohort of AS patients.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation of 40 ankylosing spondylitis patients.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography.
- Chest X-ray examinations.
Main Results:
- Systemic hypertension was observed in 20% of patients.
- Echocardiography revealed mitral valve prolapse in 10% of patients.
- Sinus bradycardia (22.5%) and short PR intervals (7.5%) were noted on ECG.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular changes in ankylosing spondylitis are more prevalent than commonly acknowledged.
- AS patients exhibit a range of cardiac issues, including hypertension, valvular prolapse, and conduction abnormalities.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and long-term implications of cardiac involvement in AS.