Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) die at a younger age. Do you know what is the commonest cause of death in patients with RA? The incidence of heart attacks is much higher in patients with RA. Just like high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension - RA is a separate risk factor for heart disease. It is important for patients with RA to make lifestyle changes to reduce risk of heart attacks.
Measures like quitting smoking, weight reduction, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure could help to reduce the risk. Current evidence: RA sufferers are far more likely to die from heart attacks and strokes, a major study has recently revealed. Those with RA are 40% at higher risk of atrial fibrillation and 30% higher risk of strokes than the general public. The risk of heart attack for RA patients is comparable to those with type 2 diabetes , according to the conclusions of two studies…
