New Studies Link Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease
New Studies Link Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease
www.allaboutarthritis.com
Two new studies report a link between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. Both studies suggest that people with rheumatoid arthritis should pay extra attention to their heart health, and may wish to seek aggressive screenings from their doctors.
In one study, people with rheumatoid arthritis were found to be nearly three times as likely to suffer symptoms of heart disease (atherosclerosis) as people who did not have RA. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries, resulting in smaller pathways for blood to flow through. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, and other cardiovascular events. Obesity, poor diet, diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure all can contribute to atherosclerosis. The new research suggests that rheumatoid arthritis is another factor increasing your risk.
The study, reported in the December 2001 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, was lead by Inmaculada del Rincon , MD, and colleagues from the University of Texas Health Science Center.
“The main message is that rheumatoid arthritis patients have a predisposition to atherosclerosis and have increased incidence of cardiovascular events compared with persons of the same age and sex,” said Dr. del Rincon in an interview January 25, 2002. In other words, people with RA seem more likely than other people to have heart problems.
According to Dr. del Rincon, physicians who care for rheumatoid arthritis patients should have “a high index of suspicion for coronary artery disease,” and refer RA patients for evaluation if any suspicious heart symptoms occur, even minor ones.
“Sometimes symptoms might be subtle, as patients with rheumatoid arthritis have decreased physical activity and low physical demands,” said Dr. del Rincon.
Another recent study, reported in the Journal of Rheumatology, December 2001, showed a link between people with RA and heart disease. This study focused on people who have had RA for a long time, approximately 20 years or more. The study was led by Solveig Wallberg-Jonsson at the University Hospital of Umea in Sweden. The Swedish researchers said it is important that in addition to seeking treatment for arthritis, people with rheumatoid arthritis be screened and treated for cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol.
Further research is needed in determining the factors linking heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis so that meaningful recommendations can be made, said Dr. del Rincon.
People with rheumatoid arthritis or their caregivers may wish to discuss this information with their physician.
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