RA Sufferers Believed to Be at an Increased Risk of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Death

(Newswire.net — June 20, 2017) Orlando, FL — For millions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers, life can be a struggle on a daily basis due to pain and other symptoms. While these symptoms cause enough trouble for sufferers, it seems that there are more dangers in having this condition.

RA sufferers are believed to be at an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory death. In the United States alone, millions are already suffering from this condition. Individuals with RA do not only live with pain, but also a reduced quality of life.

According to a new study by the researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), rheumatoid arthritis has significantly increased the overall risk of death of participants.

The researchers used data from the Nurses’ Health Study, which has monitored over 100,000 female registered nurses since 1976. The risk of death has been linked with cardiovascular or respiratory causes.

The findings of the study have led the researchers to suggest that RA sufferers should ensure that they are able to monitor cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms, especially those who are seropositive.

Jeffrey Sparks, MD, MMSc, a physician in BWH’s Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, reveals that in previous studies, it was found RA could be linked with increased mortality. However, the researchers weren’t able to control other variables. Smoking is one of the variables that impacts both rheumatoid arthritis and mortality risks.

It is important to remember that the Nurses’ Health Study is sizeable and has been following subjects for a long period. Thus, the researchers were able to collect much more information.

They were able to follow the participants before and after diagnosis as well as consider their health behaviors. They are also able to determine the specific causes of death. By doing all of these steps, researchers found strong evidence to suggest that RA could potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and overall mortality.

Sparks and the research team evaluated 964 women in the Nurses’ Health Study who had rheumatoid arthritis. Their mortality rates were compared to women in the study without the condition.

Certain risk factors were also considered, such as smoking, age, physical activity, and body mass index. Diet was also taken into account by the researchers of the study.

Today, rheumatoid arthritis suffers are advised to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to help improve their pain and overall condition. Certain natural supplements are also recommended, such as glucosamine.

Glucosamine is one of the most popular joint-enhancing supplements today, especially among athletes and individuals with arthritis.

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