Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) causes joint inflammation and tends to present in people with psoriasis. A less common symptom of PsA is chest pain, which may result from inflammation in the cartilage that links the breastbone to the ribs.
However, people with PsA are also more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without the condition. For this reason, people with PsA must speak with a doctor if they are experiencing chest pain.
This article looks at the link between PsA and chest pain, discusses other signs that PsA affects the chest, and explains what treatments and management strategies may help.
Yes, PsA can cause chest pain. This pain is typically due to either costochondritis or cardiovascular disease.
Costochondritis
PsA causes inflammation in multiple areas, including the cartilage between the breastbone and the ribs. Inflammation of this part of the body is known as costochondritis.
Costochondritis can cause sharp pain, pressure, or a dull ache in the chest. In some cases, the pain may be so severe that a person may mistake it for a heart attack. However, costochondritis itself does not cause any damage.
Cardiovascular disease
Another potential cause of chest pain in people with PsA is cardiovascular disease.
Having PsA puts a person at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that this could be due to several factors, including:
- chronic inflammation
- damage to the cells that line blood vessels
- high blood levels of uric acid, which is also involved in the development of gout
- mental health conditions, which are more common among people with PsA
- accelerated development of atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to become narrow and hard
Additionally, people with PsA have a higher likelihood of having other conditions that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as:
- type 2 diabetes
- obesity
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- metabolic syndrome
Cardiovascular disease requires medical treatment, so if someone with PsA is experiencing chest pain, they should not just assume that it is costochondritis. A doctor can perform tests to rule out more serious causes.
Chest pain is just one of the signs indicating that a person may have PsA that is affecting their chest. Other possible symptoms include:
- pain when breathing, coughing, or laughing
- tender ribs
- shortness of breath
If cardiovascular disease is the cause of chest pain, a person may also experience:
- chest pressure, discomfort, or tightness
- shortness of breath
- pain in the neck, jaw, or throat
- pain in the upper back or abdomen
- a cold, numb, or weak feeling in the arms or legs
- nausea
- heartburn
- dizziness
- sweating
Anyone with any of these symptoms should speak with their doctor as soon as possible.
No test is available to determine whether a person has PsA. To diagnose PsA, a doctor will take note of a person’s family medical history to find out whether they have any close relatives living with psoriasis or PsA. They will also ask the person about their symptoms and conduct a physical examination.
Possible symptoms
- scaly patches of inflammation on the scalp, elbows, and knees
- fatigue
- swelling and stiffness in one or more joints
- tenderness where tendons join to the bone — for example, the heel
- sausage-like swelling of at least one finger and toe
- inflammation around the middle layer of the eye
- inflammatory bowel disease
A doctor may also request imaging tests or blood samples to confirm a diagnosis.
If someone with PsA has chest pain, they may also run tests to rule out serious conditions, such as cardiovascular or lung disease.
People can
However, doctors may prescribe stronger medications if the symptoms are more severe. These could include:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- biologic DMARDs
- steroids
It is important to discuss the medication options for PsA with a doctor, as some can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas others can reduce it. Treating PsA by reducing inflammation may also lower the risk, although research is ongoing.
Alongside taking medication, people with PsA may be able to lower inflammation by adjusting their diet and lifestyle. These changes may reduce the symptoms and lower the risk of developing other conditions.
Following an anti-inflammatory diet
Plant-based diets are anti-inflammatory, as is the Mediterranean diet. These diets also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. People can follow a Mediterranean dietary pattern by:
- eating a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- swapping red or processed meat for lean protein and oily fish, which contains omega-3
- reducing sugar consumption
- avoiding foods high in saturated fat and salt
Maintaining a moderate weight
Changes to the diet can help a person reach or maintain a moderate weight. People with PsA can also try low impact exercises,
- walking
- cycling
- swimming
- yoga
- tai chi
However, before starting any exercise, a person should speak with their doctor.
Addressing mental health
Living with a chronic condition, particularly chronic pain, is difficult. However, stress, anxiety, and depression also affect physical health, so it is important to seek support for any mental health symptoms.
Treating mental health conditions can sometimes make it easier for people to avoid behaviors that increase the risk of heart disease, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and overeating. If a person is finding it difficult to stop these habits, they may benefit from support from a doctor or therapist.
For further help and advice, some people may find joining a PsA support group beneficial.
A person should speak with a doctor when they are experiencing chest pain, regardless of whether they have a PsA diagnosis already. They should also talk with a doctor if they have PsA symptoms, such as painful joints or scaly patches of skin.
It is important to call 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department straight away if the following symptoms occur:
- severe chest pain
- a feeling of tightness, squeezing, or pressure in the chest
- difficulty breathing
- pain in the arms, jaw, neck, upper back, or stomach
- lightheadedness
- nausea or vomiting
- excessive sweating
PsA is an inflammatory form of arthritis. A person may experience chest pain if the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed. However, in some cases, it may be a symptom of another condition.
People with PsA have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the conditions associated with it, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. For this reason, it is important to speak with a doctor if chest pain develops. Controlling PsA through medications may reduce the risk of complications.