What is the prognosis if you have rheumatoid arthritis causing mild pulmonary hypertension, and how common is it?
Pulmonary Hypertension is not very common in RA. However, once it has been defined as to its extent and severity by either an ECHOcardiogram or right heart catheterization, it needs to be carefully assessed and treated. Luckily, there are excellent medications that can be used for this, including anti-hypertension medications such as calcium channel blockers, Bosentan, an endothelin blocker, and the anticoagulant warfarin. One of more may be right for you, or your doctor may not think that you need any of these. A cardiology or pulmonary specialist should be seen to define the extent of your problem and whether or not medications are needed. • I have severe RA. I take Enbrel, methotrexate, and folic acid for my condition. I also have had recurring shingles since I was 5 years old. I am now 46. I had a sudden onset of RA when I was 42. Since I have been on methotrexate, I have had frequent outbreaks of shingles. In the last six months I have had 23 outbreaks. My doctor said there is not
