The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis And Heart Failure

According to latest research rheumatoid arthritis patients have twice the risk of heart failure, or a weakening of the heart's ability to pump blood, compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis.

Results of a recent study showed patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk for heart failure soon after the onset of arthritis, and this risk continues throughout the course of their chronic disease. Researchers also found the factors were unrelated to heart attacks and the traditional risk factors such as diabetes, alcohol abuse, and high cholesterol.

According to researchers the underlying inflammation that occurs in people with rheumatoid arthritis may be one of the reasons. Thus researchers say the next step is for researchers to determine what measures rheumatoid arthritis patients can take in preventing heart failure.