Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints but can also affect other organs and systems of the body.

The disease is characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. RA is one of the most common types of arthritis and affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide. In this article, we will discuss the common comorbidities associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with RA. It is estimated that the risk of CVD is 50% higher in patients with RA compared to the general population.

The increased risk of CVD is thought to be due to chronic inflammation and the use of immunosuppressant medications that are used to treat RA. Other risk factors for CVD in patients with RA include obesity, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a loss of bone density and an increased risk of fractures.

Patients with RA are at an increased risk for osteoporosis due to chronic inflammation and the use of glucocorticoid medications that are used to treat RA. Patients with RA who have low bone density or a history of fractures should be evaluated and treated for osteoporosis.

Infections

Patients with RA are at an increased risk for infections due to the use of immunosuppressant medications that are used to treat RA. Infections can be serious and may require hospitalization.

Patients with RA should be vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal infections. They should also be screened for tuberculosis before starting immunosuppressant medications.

Cancer

Patients with RA have an increased risk of certain types of cancer such as lymphoma and lung cancer. The increased risk of cancer is thought to be due to chronic inflammation and the use of immunosuppressant medications that are used to treat RA.

Patients with RA should be screened for cancer as recommended by their healthcare provider.

Depression and Anxiety

Patients with RA have an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Chronic pain, disability, and the psychological impact of chronic illness can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety.

Patients with RA should be screened for depression and anxiety and treated appropriately.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

ILD is a rare but serious complication of RA. It is estimated that ILD occurs in 5-10% of patients with RA. ILD can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. Patients with RA who develop these symptoms should be evaluated for ILD.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Problems

Patients with RA are at an increased risk for GI problems such as peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and diverticulitis. The increased risk is thought to be due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications that are used to treat RA.

Patients with RA who develop GI symptoms should be evaluated and treated appropriately.

Anemia

Anemia is a common complication of RA. Anemia can be caused by chronic inflammation and the use of medications such as methotrexate that are used to treat RA. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Patients with RA who have anemia should be evaluated and treated appropriately.

Eye Problems

Patients with RA are at an increased risk for eye problems such as dry eye, uveitis, and scleritis. The increased risk is thought to be due to chronic inflammation. Patients with RA who develop eye symptoms should be evaluated and treated appropriately.

Conclusion

RA is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems of the body.

Patients with RA are at an increased risk for comorbidities such as CVD, osteoporosis, infections, cancer, depression and anxiety, ILD, GI problems, anemia, and eye problems. Patients with RA should be monitored carefully for these comorbidities and treated appropriately.