Dermatomyositis

Overview

Dermatomyositis is usually diagnosed with blood tests and biopsies of your skin and muscles.

Your provider will test your blood for:

Increased amounts of specific muscle enzymes that means something is damaging them.
Autoantibodies (cells that show your immune system is reacting to something it detects as harmful).

You’ll also need a skin biopsy of any rashes. Your provider might also biopsy your muscles to confirm inflammation inside them.

You might need one of a few imaging tests. Your provider will use these to evaluate your muscles, nerves, lungs and other organs. These tests can help them determine if your symptoms are caused by dermatomyositis or another issue. The most common imaging tests used to diagnose dermatomyositis include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Chest X-rays.

In some cases, your provider may request an electromyography (EMG). This test measures electrical activity in response to muscle or nerve stimulation.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.