Since lymphoma and early death from heart conditions caused by inflammation seem to be higher risk for RA patients, why don't Rheumatologists request tests for these conditions? RA patients must be at higher risk, because I was unable to obtain term life insurance after I retired due to the RA, etc. I'm much more concerned about the possibility of lymphoma and/or heart attack than my achy joints!
My longtime gp has tested for these conditions. She also wants me to do the treadmill test but I am just not up for itRheumatologists are specialist in treating rhuematic diseases. They have slightly branched out to skeletal issues like oeteoporosis, but lymphoma (cancer) and heart disease are not their 'responsibility'. You are very lucky if they tell you to tell your GP to watch out for these things because you are at higher risk than the 'normals'.
Not once in 25 years of rhuemy care have I ever had a one even mention that I should have a heart check up. I am 52 and very fat and have a family history of coronary artery disease. I guess it is time to send myself for a checkup.
You can develop cardiac and pulmonary complications from RA. It's not an uncommon relationship. Dr.'s don't want to order cardiac or pulmonary testing based on ruling out diseases. Insurance will not pay for ruling out a diseases but they'll pay through the nose for the disease once you get it. Doesn't make sense does it? If you're Dr. is suspicious in any way, or can come up with a diagnosis, then he can order the testing and you can expect the insurance will pay for it.
I've developed both cardiac and pulmonary complications from RA and have been tested yearly. Fortunately, the cardiac complications aren't serious but the pulmonary complications can become very serious at any given time.
Just mentioning that you're short of breath would be enough for the tests to be ordered and paid for by your insurance.
Also, heart disease with or without RA is the #1 killer of women. It is up to you to be proactive with your MD.--they are not going to be. Also exercise is very important to prevent and/or control heart disease. My mother did not have RA but died at 66 of heart disease. Know the symptoms--they are different for a woman than a man. She stressed the important of exercise. Your MD should be testing you every year from chorestal--my spelling is poor- and checking your blood pressure. If either or both or higher than they should be--they need to be controlled.