I had a cardio involved from the beginning. Did not do me much good. My stress test came back great (though I thought I was going to have a heart attack.) I have had abnormal EEG's for several years now. Several times before I began prednisone, we thought I was having symptoms consistent with a heart attack. I have now learned to tell the difference between cardiac issues and PM issues (for the most part, sometimes my wife still has to counsel me as to her opinion.) Good luck

This may be a really stupid question but does PM/DM cause some of these symptoms? I mean...can I be feeling short of breath from the DM itself and not necessarily from a cardiac issue? Does that question make any sense? :)

It makes perfect sense to me. My understanding is yes these illnesses could contribute (or cause NOT a Medical Professional by any stretch) My heart is fine, the PM is (the doctors believe) causing my irregular EEGs.

Prednisone can cause high blood pressure and it sure did for me. I also have less energy and therefore run out of air pretty quick when I exercise. I was told it was from the disease. It is possible to have lung involvement PM/DM so it is probably wise to check with your doctor.

Keep us posted how you are doing.

I think leaving no stone unturned is an excellent way to think. We all have such different symtoms and some of us have symtoms that are more prevelant that others experience so always check out whatever you are concerned about. Blessings, Kim

It's better to check everything out in the early stages. I had so many tests, but was glad to hear when each one came back negative for cancer or heart disease. We have to remember that we have muscles all through our bodies, so we can experience many strange symptoms. While it is time-consuming, the tests give your doctors necessary information and give you peace of mind when you get good results. Here's wishing you all the best.

I also have the shortness of breathe and sometimes have a strange cough that to me feels as if it is trying to regulate my heartbeat. I also brought it up to one of my physicians at the beginning of my treatment and he didn't act as if it was anything major, but I am going to bring it up to my new primary again tomorrow as it is now beginning to worry me. I feel as if my breathing stops at my sternum and I never take a deep breathe. I also noticed that if I am laying on my side I don't breathe as well and will start to cough or choke.

My speech seems slow and I have been told that I sound tired all of the time. I was told that a speech therapist may be able to help me. I know that I sound older and as if I have lost my pep. I never know what I am going to sound like when I speak with someone and I work on the phone all day so that doesn't sit well with me. I was examined by a cardiologist while in the hospital and he told me that there was nothing wrong with my heart.

Shortness of breath, chest pressure/pain has been a major complaint of mine through this two year struggle to find a diag. I had a heart work up and in fact having another stress test next week. It has all been clear. I was just diag. two weeks ago. My pulm. says I have restrictive lung disease from the inflammation, but I am having another PFT tomorrow to see how much damage since last year. I would def. get the full work up. It can effect your heart, muscle, and your lungs too. Be well, Rasta

Angie,
Respiratory problems from interstitial lung disease (ILD)are a symptom of one subset of myositis called anti-synthetase syndrome. This is most commonly found in people who have anti-Jo-1 antibodies or some less common myositis antibodies that fall into the anti-synthetase category. Cardiac problems are much less common, and are usually in the form of pericarditis due to inflammation. Shortness of breath and sharp chest pain are typical symptoms.

When I was first got sick I had significant problems with shortness of breath but no chest pain or other cardiac symptoms. My rheumy ordered a high resolution CT of the lungs and a cardiac CT as part of the diagnositc work-up. These tests were negative for ILD and pericarditis, but the HRCT showed that my diaphragm was very weak, which accounted for the shortness of breath.

Since the HRCT was negative for ILD and I didn't have anti-Jo-1 or other antisynthetase antibodies (mine are anti-Mi-2), my rheumy didn't think a full pulmonary work-up was necessary. And since the cardiac CT was normal and I didn't have any chest pain, a full cardiology work-up wan't indicated either. These are all the things that you and your doctor need to consider when deciding whether you should be referred to a cardiologist or pulmonologist. Once you get there, it's almost a given that they'll order a bunch of expensive, annoying, and maybe unnecessary tests just because they can.

I know all this can be confusing and overwhelming. You're doing exactly the right thing by asking a lot of questions here. Keep up the good work!
~Lucky