Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the joints and causes swelling, pain and stiffness for millions of people worldwide.
However, recent studies show that rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation in the heart, leading to serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes. This is why healthcare professionals are increasingly recommending a new heart treatment that’s changing the game for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, and discuss the revolutionary heart treatment that’s helping people with rheumatoid arthritis live longer, healthier lives.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness.
While anyone can develop rheumatoid arthritis, it is more common in women than men, and typically begins between the ages of 30 and 50. There is currently no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. This often involves a combination of medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
The Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease
In addition to causing joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to inflammation throughout the body. This includes the heart, where it can cause damage to the heart muscle and blood vessels.
Research shows that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. In fact, one study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease as those without the condition.
The Importance of Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Health Together
Given the strong link between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, it’s crucial for healthcare professionals to address both conditions when working with patients.
This can involve regular heart screenings, as well as lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet, and quitting smoking. Additionally, some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can have an impact on heart health, so it’s important for doctors to carefully monitor their patients and adjust treatment plans as needed.
By managing rheumatoid arthritis and heart health together, patients can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and live longer, healthier lives.
What is the Revolutionary Heart Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients?
The heart treatment that’s changing the game for rheumatoid arthritis patients is called biologic therapy. Biologic therapies are a type of medication that targets specific proteins in the body that are involved in the inflammatory response.
By reducing the level of inflammatory proteins in the body, biologic therapies can reduce joint inflammation, as well as lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This is because these therapies can also reduce inflammation in the heart and blood vessels.
How Does Biologic Therapy Work?
Biologic therapy works by targeting specific proteins in the body that are involved in the inflammatory response. These proteins are called cytokines, and they are responsible for causing inflammation in the joints, as well as throughout the body.
By blocking the action of these cytokines, biologic therapies can reduce joint inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, because these therapies can also reduce inflammation in the heart and blood vessels, they can lower the risk of heart disease in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the Benefits of Biologic Therapy?
There are several benefits of biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients, including:.
- Reduced joint inflammation and pain
- Slowed progression of joint damage
- Improved physical function
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Overall, biologic therapy has been shown to be highly effective in managing both the joint and cardiovascular symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients who undergo biologic therapy are able to live longer, healthier lives with fewer complications.
Is Biologic Therapy Right for You?
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and are concerned about your heart health, biologic therapy may be right for you. However, it’s important to discuss this treatment option with your doctor to determine if it is a good fit for you.
Depending on your individual health needs and medical history, your doctor may recommend a different treatment plan that is better suited to your needs.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in the joints as well as throughout the body, including the heart and blood vessels.
This can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes. However, by managing rheumatoid arthritis and heart health together, patients can reduce their risk of developing heart disease and live longer, healthier lives.
Biologic therapy is a revolutionary heart treatment that’s changing the game for rheumatoid arthritis patients. By reducing inflammation in the body, biologic therapies can help reduce joint inflammation as well as lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
To determine if biologic therapy is right for you, consult with your doctor to discuss your treatment options.