That's a really important question, and it's great that it was caught! Diffuse aortoiliac atherosclerosis — a buildup of plaque in the aorta and iliac arteries — can indeed be connected to spondylitis, not just a coincidental finding.
Chronic inflammation from AS is known to affect the aorta and surrounding blood vessels Show Full Answer
That's a really important question, and it's great that it was caught! Diffuse aortoiliac atherosclerosis — a buildup of plaque in the aorta and iliac arteries — can indeed be connected to spondylitis, not just a coincidental finding.
Chronic inflammation from AS is known to affect the aorta and surrounding blood vessels. This ongoing inflammation can reduce blood flow and contribute to arterial damage over time, which can set the stage for atherosclerosis developing in those vessels. Here are some key points worth knowing:
- Between 2% and 10% of people with AS experience some form of cardiovascular complication
- The aorta is a common site of AS-related inflammation (aortitis)
- Long-term use of NSAIDs, commonly used to manage AS symptoms, may also increase cardiovascular risk
- Heart complications can sometimes appear before typical AS symptoms
It's really worth having a detailed conversation with both your rheumatologist and a cardiologist together, so they can look at the full picture. Managing AS inflammation effectively may also help protect your cardiovascular health long-term.
Asking your doctor about regular heart monitoring, like an echocardiogram, during your checkups is also a smart move going forward.
2 days ago
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
