Cardiac Deaths Falling Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Despite the heightened danger, deaths from cardiovascular disease among people with rheumatoid arthritis are declining.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients are twice as likely as an average person to develop heart disease. However, a new study shows that efforts to prevent heart problems and diagnose and treat heart disease early may be paying off. The research found that despite the heightened danger, deaths from cardiovascular disease among people with rheumatoid arthritis are declining.

For the study, researchers looked at heart disease deaths within 10 years of rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis among two groups of people- 315 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis from 2000 to 2007 and 498 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the 1980s and 1990s. The team also looked at heart disease deaths among 813 people without the rheumatic disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, FAQs
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints.

About two-thirds of patients studied were women, and the average age was 60 years. The researchers found a significantly lower rate of deaths from heart disease in the more recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients than in those diagnosed earlier- 2.8% and 7.9%, respectively.

Lead author Elena Myasoedova said, "More research is needed to confirm why heart disease deaths among rheumatoid arthritis patients have declined, but potential factors include earlier and more vigilant screening for heart problems, improved treatment for heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and in general, more attention to heart health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis."

The study was presented at the American College of Rheumatology's annual meeting.

Tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are you experiencing pain in the joints? You might have Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition affecting joints and results in pain and joint deformities. It is diagnosed by radiology and blood tests.

Source-ANI

Recent Infections May be Associated With a Decreased Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gastrointestinal and urogenital tract infections that are associated with changes in the gut microbiome could diminish the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Drinking a Glass of Beer may Actually Lower Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
Drinking two to four beers per week may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder mainly affecting the lining of joints.

TOP INSIGHT

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely as an average person to develop heart disease. But, researchers found a significantly lower rate of deaths from heart disease in the more recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients than in those diagnosed earlier.