Rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of heart disease as it is associated with inflammation that affects not only the joints but also the heart. If left untreated, it can cause active inflammation to spread throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system, which can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Effects on the heart in people with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation spreads to the blood vessels and leads to narrowing. Arteries supplying the heart with oxygen and nutrients can get blocked in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, even if they do not have significant CVD risk factors. This can lead to angina, heart attacks, sudden death, and heart failure.
People with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of heart attack and are twice as likely to develop heart failure and peripheral vascular disease compared to people without rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis also have a higher risk of heart attacks than patients with controlled diseases.
People must consult their doctor for rheumatoid arthritis as this disease is treatable but only if taken care of in its early stage. Ignorance may lead to unrepairable damages not only increased chances of a heart attack but also sudden death.
Dr. Ashish K Badika has 3 years of advanced training in Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology including 2 years Post Doctoral.
He has extensive exposure to Systemic Autoimmune Disorder (Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Seronegative spondyloarthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Scleroderma, Gout, Myositis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Vasculitic conditions, and Paediatric rheumatology disorders).