Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, which can lead to stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion.

While rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints, it can also cause complications that affect other parts of the body, including the heart. In fact, rheumatoid arthritis has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which means that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing heart problems.

What Is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term that refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common types of CVD include:.

Coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart
Heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs
Stroke, which is caused by a blockage or bleeding in the brain
Peripheral artery disease, which affects the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and is responsible for about one-third of all deaths globally.

What Is the Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cardiovascular Disease?

Several studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

In fact, people with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as people without the condition.

There are several factors that contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk in people with rheumatoid arthritis. One of the main factors is inflammation.

Inflammation is a normal response of the immune system to injury or infection, but in people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissue, causing chronic inflammation. This chronic inflammation can damage the lining of the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup and narrowing, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Another factor that contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk in people with rheumatoid arthritis is the use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids.

These medications can increase blood pressure, raise cholesterol levels, and contribute to insulin resistance, all of which can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

How Can You Reduce Your Cardiovascular Risk If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, there are several steps you can take to reduce your cardiovascular risk:.

Control inflammation. Work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that effectively manages your rheumatoid arthritis and reduces inflammation in your body.
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking.
Manage your cardiovascular risk factors. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, and monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Talk to your doctor about medications. Some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can increase cardiovascular risk, so talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of different medications.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. While it primarily affects the joints, it can also increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to take steps to reduce your cardiovascular risk, including controlling inflammation, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, managing your cardiovascular risk factors, and talking to your doctor about medications.