Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health for Women with LUPUS

One of my greatest fear is that one day LUPUS would affect my heart. My lungs have already been affected that’s why there are days that I have a hard time breathing. When I lay down in bedI experienced a minute or two of having to catch my breath plus my shoulder blades are so painful. Sign of pneumonia or fleurisy. That’s why right now I am eating right and doing some exercise. I am scared that my weight would be a big factor for me to have a heart disease. So I am gland when I read some do’s and dont’s for LUPUS patient.

Heart-Healthy Do’s and Don’ts

Because the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for women don’t address lupus specificallywe’ve summarized some of the guidelines into this useful list of Do’s and Don’tsand Amy KaoM.D.has provided additional information specific to lupus. Always talk to your physician before undertaking any new exercisedietor supplement program.

AHA: Don’t turn to hormones. The AHA does not recommend hormonal therapy to treat or prevent heart disease.
LFA: In women with lupus and a history of blood clotshormonal therapy is contraindicated due to the increased risk of thrombosis (blood clotting). Always consult your physicians before using any hormone therapies.

AHA: Do ask your physician about aspirin therapywhich has been shown to prevent strokes in women of all ages and to prevent heart attacks in women over 65.
LFA: Low dose aspirin may be used in young women with lupus due to their increased risks of cardiovascular diseasein addition to the increased clotting risk if they also have antiphospholipid antibodies.

AHA: Do make sure your diet includes fruitsvegetableswhole grainsand oily fishlike salmonwhich are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
LFA: These guidelines are suitable for people with lupus.

AHA: Don’t overdo the vitamin supplements — specifically Vitamins ECA (beta-carotene)B6 and B12and folic acid. The AHA suggests that these supplements have no effect on cardiovascular healthand some may even be harmful.
LFA: While folic acid may be prescribed for people with lupus taking methotrexateyou should consult your physician about taking any vitamin supplements.

AHA: Do get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise daily. Try swimming laps or taking a brisk walk.
LFA: If muscle or joint pain make brisk walking or lap swimming too difficulttry a more moderate walk pace or a low-impact aquacise class.

AHA: Do limit alcohol to one drink a dayand sodium to 2.3 grams per day.
LFA: These guidelines are suitable for people with lupus. Howeverfor people taking certain medicationssuch as methotrexateit may not be advisable to have any alcohol due to the increased risk for liver injury caused by this medication.

AHA: Do stop smoking.
LFA: Smoking or using any tobacco product is one of the worst things you can chose to do when you have lupus.

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