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I have had AS for 46 years and have coped with it through diet and exercise along with overall healthy living.

May 7
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A MySpondylitisTeam Member

You should talk to your cardiologist about this topic.

May 7
MySpondylitisTeam

46 years of managing AS through healthy living is genuinely impressive — that kind of dedication makes a real difference! It's a great question, and yes, there is a connection between AS inflammation and heart arrhythmias worth knowing about.

The chronic inflammation associated with AS can affect the heart over time. One Show Full Answer

46 years of managing AS through healthy living is genuinely impressive — that kind of dedication makes a real difference! It's a great question, and yes, there is a connection between AS inflammation and heart arrhythmias worth knowing about.

The chronic inflammation associated with AS can affect the heart over time. One way this happens is through conduction disorders, which affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart — and this can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Symptoms to watch for include:

- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- A fluttery feeling in the chest
- Dizziness
- In severe cases, cardiac arrest Given your long history with AS, it's worth having a conversation with your doctor about heart monitoring. An echocardiogram during an annual physical can help detect any abnormalities early.

The good news is that the aerobic exercise you're already doing is actually beneficial for heart health — it helps raise "good" cholesterol levels and supports cardiovascular function. Aim for around 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week if possible.

However, if you notice any chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or heart fluttering during exercise, let your doctor know promptly. They may recommend a heart monitor or further testing to get a clearer picture of what's happening.

May 7

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