Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) transcends the boundaries of a typical autoimmune arthritis by impacting not only the joints but also various tissues and organs, including the heart.
Nevertheless, a diagnosis of RA does not irrevocably signal impending cardiac complications. Proactive measures can be embraced to nurture heart health and circumvent the onset of cardiovascular disease.
Continue reading to uncover the intricate relationship between RA and heart disease, as well as strategize ways to minimize the risk of developing cardiac ailments in the face of living with RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes persistent inflammation and swelling in the joints, leading to pain and potential deformity. It is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, resulting in inflammation in areas such as the hands, wrists, and knees. However, RA’s impact extends beyond the joints, potentially affecting the heart, lungs, and eyes.
The prolonged inflammation associated with RA can significantly increase the risk of developing heart disease. The inflammation can damage blood vessels and contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which may narrow the blood vessels and obstruct blood flow, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Cytokines, a group of proteins involved in the regulation of immune system cells, play a crucial role in both the joint damage caused by RA and the vascular damage seen in cardiovascular diseases. These proteins are pivotal in the way RA influences the joints and the cardiovascular system.
The connections between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and heart disease run deeper than the shared symptom of inflammation. A multitude of risk factors are common to both conditions, underscoring the intertwined nature of these health challenges.
Both RA and heart disease can be influenced by high blood pressure, which tends to be exacerbated in RA patients due to factors such as reduced physical activity, the use of specific RA treatments like steroids, and arteries losing their elasticity. Inflammatory processes, often tenfold greater in individuals with RA compared to those without, have also been associated with elevated blood pressure levels.
Obesity is another shared risk factor, potentially precipitating the onset of RA, though the exact relationship remains under investigation. The Arthritis Foundation highlights how RA-related joint discomfort can deter physical activity, contributing to weight gain. Moreover, obesity is a known promoter of inflammation and a precursor to heart disease, often tagged alongside elevated blood sugar and hypertension.
The concept of metabolic syndrome, typified by heightened triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as increased blood pressure, is doubly prevalent in RA sufferers relative to the general population. This syndrome amplifies the risk for heart disease.
Delving into blood fat anomalies, RA uniquely alters lipid profiles by reducing levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol and elevating triglycerides, simultaneously diminishing HDL “good” cholesterol. Although decreased LDL is usually a sign of cardiac wellness, the combination of low HDL and high triglycerides actually amplifies the risk of heart disease.
The impact of smoking on RA and heart disease cannot be overstated. Smokers are at a higher propensity to develop RA and endure more intense symptoms than non-smokers. Smoking not only escalates the chances of acquiring RA and intensifying its joint damage, but according to the CDC, it also stands as a leading cause of heart disease. Alarmingly, individuals who smoke and have RA face a 50% increased likelihood of heart disease compared to their non-smoking counterparts with RA.
While rheumatoid arthritis (RA) escalates the likelihood of heart disease, proactive collaboration with healthcare professionals can mitigate this risk.
A fundamental measure for safeguarding heart health in the presence of RA involves adhering to prescribed medications that target inflammation, such as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). These medications not only alleviate RA’s inflammatory response but may also curtail the risk of heart disease.
Currently, medical protocols in the United States lack RA-specific guidance for heart disease prevention. Contrastingly, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) advocates for biennial assessments of heart disease risk factors for those with RA.
Adopting heart-healthy lifestyle choices is also pivotal. The American Heart Association endorses the following strategies to diminish the threat of heart disease:
- Consuming a nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Engaging in at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly
- Maintaining a reasonable body weight
- Abstaining from smoking or pursuing cessation
- Effectively managing health conditions, including RA, that elevate heart disease risk
- Following any preventative medicinal regimens prescribed by a doctor, such as statins.