Heart Changes That Can Occur in Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body and internal organs, including the heart. In this video from the Scleroderma Foundation, Greater Chicago Chapter, learn how heart function can change in scleroderma patients.

MORE: Six tips to help you take the best possible care of your lungs.

The presentation was made by Dr. Amit R. Patel at the Scleroderma Patient Education Conference in Chicago earlier this year. Patel explains some of the ways that scleroderma can affect the heart and the blood vessels leading to the heart, which can cause complications like heart failure, blood clots, and stiffness of the heart muscle. Patel also explains how these complications are detected using various tests, including MRI scans and ultrasounds.

MORE: Five tips for managing Raynaud’s Syndrome through the summer months

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.