5. Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Complications in SLE
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus may experience chest pain and shortness of breath due to various cardiovascular and pulmonary complications associated with the disease. These complications can include pericarditis, pleuritis, and pulmonary hypertension.
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. Inflammation of the pericardium can cause chest pain, which may be sharp, stabbing, or aching and can worsen when taking a deep breath or lying down.
Pleuritis, or inflammation of the lining of the lungs, can also cause chest pain and shortness of breath. This pain is typically sharp and worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, or sneezing.
Pulmonary hypertension, which is characterized by high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. In SLE patients, pulmonary hypertension can result from inflammation and damage to the blood vessels in the lungs, as well as from other underlying lung conditions, such as interstitial lung disease.
To manage chest pain and shortness of breath in SLE patients, healthcare providers will first determine the underlying cause of these symptoms and develop a targeted treatment plan. For pericarditis and pleuritis, medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, immunosuppressive medications may be necessary to control the immune response and prevent further damage to the heart and lungs.
For pulmonary hypertension, treatment options can include medications to lower blood pressure in the lungs, such as vasodilators, endothelin receptor antagonists, or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. In some cases, oxygen therapy or surgical interventions may be recommended to manage pulmonary hypertension and improve overall lung function. (5)
