Heart Block
Heart block is a rare complication of ankylosing spondylitis that includes scarring of the electrical system of the heart, resulting in an abnormally slow heart rate. This abnormal heart rate is not bradycardia (heart rate below 60 beats per minute), rather a near complete stopping of the heart beat. It is a cardiac emergency that may require a heart pacemaker in order to preserve appropriate heart rate and output in these patients.
The portion of the aorta closest to the heart may become inflamed in others, leading in aortic valve leakage. Patients in this situation can develop dizziness, shortness of breath and heart failure.