Based on latest scientific evidence found in a study focused on 1,022 patients, I want to warn the people who are suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that they are vulnerable to early death due to cardiovascular diseases. RA is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. It is being increasingly recognized that inflammation promotes atherosclerosis. A marker of inflammation, elevation of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level has been shown to predict CVD (cardiovascular disease) in the general population.
HLA-DRB1 genotypes associated with RA susceptibility and severity has been recognized as a predictor of premature death from CVD for inflammatory arthritis patients. In the years between the registering and the study’s completion, 242 (24 per cent) of the patients died. CVD was named as the cause of death for 76 (31.4 percent).
It was also found that smokers who were positive for anti-CCP antibodies (marker protein found in most of the RA patients) had the highest risk of dying from all causes, as well as a substantially higher risk of dying early from CVD.
These results indicate towards the fact that measures are to be taken to prevent early death among people suffering from RA through aggressive control of inflammation. And again, you can see the study indicates towards one of the many dangers of smoking in RA patients.
Related posts:
- NEW RESEARCH – Quit smoking to prevent as well as to control rheumatic diseases; especially LUPUS and RA
- A future approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis in sight sooner than later
- Similarities and Differences between Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- What is Rheumatic fever and how it is related to Rhuematoid Arthritis (RA)?