If you’re over the age of 40, you’re at an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis affects small joints like the ones found in your fingers and toes. Inflammation occurs between the joints often causing pain and swelling.
Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease it differs from regular arthritis. With rheumatoid arthritis, the body is attacking itself and so there is no definite cause as to why this occurs.
Wear and tear can occur with rheumatoid arthritis which can ultimately lead to bone erosion. But rheumatoid arthritis isn’t just limited to the joints. It can affect organs like the skin, lungs, eyes and even the heart.
Rheumatoid arthritis and the heart

Research from the National Medical Centre in Mexico City, presented at an international cardiology conference this May, revealed that rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of heart attack. But how does a disease that affects joints trigger heart attack?
For the study, 91 participants with rheumatoid arthritis and factors of cardiovascular illness had no symptoms of heart disease. Nuclear cardiology was used to assess the existence of ischaemia and infarction – supply of blood to the heart and tissue death by lack of oxygen.
Researchers found that a quarter of those with rheumatoid arthritis had no symptoms of heart disease but they did have an increased risk of heart attack because of the presence of ischaemia and infarction – in large part due to the inflammation caused by the rheumatoid arthritis.
This study goes to show how one illness can greatly impact another. Even though someone with rheumatoid arthritis may be symptomless of heart disease, this doesn't reduce their risk nor should they avoid getting regular check-ups for their heart.

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