A new study has concluded that the presence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, also known as MACE. The researchers said the increased association was more common in cases of RA that are either seropositive or considered to be active.
In the study, the researchers assessed this risk for MACE and death in people with RA who were required to have a cardiac CT scan for chest pain. “In patients referred to cardiac CT due to chest pain, we found a trend of an association between RA and the combined primary outcome, supporting that RA per se, but in particular seropositive and active RA, may increase the risk for coronary artery disease even after initial coronary artery disease diagnosis and treatment,” the researchers said in a statement.
The data used for this registry was obtained from the Western Denmark Heart Registry and Danish National Patient Registry between 2008 and 2016. The outcome of the study found a mix of cardiac events, such as myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, ischemic or unspecified stroke, coronary artery bypass grafting, and other causes of death.
Higher risk for cardiovascular disease
According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with RA face a 50 to 70 per cent higher risk for cardiovascular disease than the general population. In addition, people with osteoarthritis face a 24 per cent higher risk for cardiovascular disease than the general population. Overall, the foundation reported, nearly half of all adults with heart disease also have some form of arthritis. Women also have a higher risk for both heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. They sometimes face gender disparities in treatment for heart health issues and chronic pain.
What you can do
Certain foods, such as seafood, and supplements, like fish oil and essential omega fatty acids, can help with both heart health and the inflammation of arthritis. People living with RA should consult their doctor if they experience any new symptoms, want more information on heart health, or want to try out any new supplements or vitamins as a part of their treatment regimen.
The Arthritis Foundation and other experts recommend exercise as part of an overall balanced and healthful lifestyle of wellness for people with arthritis. “There are many health benefits to exercising, even with arthritis,” Kindle Fisher, a physical therapist in Pennsylvania, said.
“Exercises such as walking, swimming, or using a stationary bike can increase blood flow and synovial fluid to the joints. Increasing blood flow will also strengthen the heart,” she said. “While there are severe cases of arthritis where it’s not always possible to do so, any type of activity can release endorphins, improve health, and help you feel better overall.” People with RA say it’s important to keep a watch on their heart health but also to try to have a normal life.
