Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. It is a common form of inflammatory arthritis, which causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

RA can also cause other systemic manifestations that involve other organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. One of the major complications of RA is an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. This article aims to shed light on the increased risk of infarction and stroke in RA.

What is Infarction in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Infarction in the context of RA refers to the death of tissue due to lack of blood supply. This can occur when the blood vessels that supply a particular tissue become blocked.

RA is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to the narrowing of the arteries, decreasing blood flow to the affected tissues, and increasing the risk of infarction.

What Causes Stroke in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Stroke is a type of cardiovascular event that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. RA is associated with an increased risk of stroke due to several reasons.

Firstly, RA is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, as mentioned earlier. Secondly, RA can cause vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels. This can lead to the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.

Finally, RA can cause the development of blood clots, which can travel to the brain, leading to stroke.

The Link between Inflammation and Cardiovascular Events

One of the key features of RA is inflammation. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular events, such as infarction and stroke.

Inflammation can promote the formation of plaques in the arteries, increase the risk of blood clots, and cause damage to the blood vessel walls. This, in turn, can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, vasculitis, and stroke.

Risk Factors for Infarction and Stroke in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Several risk factors are associated with an increased risk of infarction and stroke in RA. These include:.

Age – The risk of cardiovascular events increases with age.
Gender – Women with RA are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to men.
Duration of RA – The longer a person has RA, the higher their risk of cardiovascular events.
Disease activity – People with active RA are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with inactive RA.
Presence of other comorbidities – People with RA who also have other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Smoking – Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events in RA.
High cholesterol and triglycerides – High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in RA.
Family history of cardiovascular events – People with a family history of cardiovascular events are at a higher risk of developing such events themselves.

Prevention of Infarction and Stroke in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Several measures can be taken to prevent infarction and stroke in RA. These include:.

Managing disease activity – By controlling disease activity, inflammation can be reduced, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Exercise – Exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Diet – A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Smoking cessation – Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in RA.
Screening for cardiovascular disease – Regular screening for cardiovascular disease can help detect any problems early, allowing for early intervention.

Treatment of Infarction and Stroke in Rheumatoid Arthritis

People with RA who have had a cardiovascular event such as infarction or stroke may require specialized treatment.

This may include medications such as blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs to manage cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and cholesterol. They may also require lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. In some cases, surgery or other interventional procedures may be required.

Conclusion

RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. However, it can also affect other organs such as the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as infarction and stroke.

It is important for people with RA to be aware of this increased risk and take steps to prevent or manage it. By managing disease activity, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular screening, people with RA can reduce their risk of infarction and stroke and improve their overall cardiovascular health.