Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Risk: What You Need to Know

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you’ve probably heard that it can affect more than just your joints. The reality is that the same inflammation that hurts your knees and hands can also damage your heart and blood vessels. That means you’re more likely to face heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular problems than someone without RA. Knowing why this happens and what you can do about it can make a big difference in staying healthy.

Why RA Increases Heart Trouble

RA is an autoimmune disease, so your immune system goes into overdrive and releases inflammatory chemicals all the time. Those chemicals don’t stay in your joints; they travel through your bloodstream and irritate the lining of your arteries. Over months and years, this irritation causes plaque to build up faster, narrowing the arteries and making clots more likely. In plain terms, RA gives your heart a faster‑track ticket to atherosclerosis.

Another piece of the puzzle is that many people with RA become less active because joint pain limits movement. Less exercise means higher blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and poorer weight control – all classic heart‑risk factors. Add to that that certain RA medicines, like some steroids, can raise blood sugar and cholesterol levels, further nudging the heart into danger.

Simple Steps to Lower Your Risk

Good news: you can fight back with everyday habits. First, keep your RA inflammation low. Work with your rheumatologist to stay on the right medication, and don’t skip appointments. Biological drugs that target specific inflammatory pathways have shown big drops in heart‑related events.

Second, move as much as you can. Even gentle activities like swimming, walking, or chair yoga help keep your arteries clear and your weight in check. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate movement each week, and break it up into short sessions if that feels easier.

Third, watch your diet. A Mediterranean‑style menu – plenty of fish, olive oil, nuts, fruits, and vegetables – cuts inflammation and improves cholesterol. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess red meat, which can fuel both joint pain and heart risk.

Fourth, control classic heart factors: check blood pressure, get cholesterol tested, and quit smoking if you do. Small changes like reducing salt, adding a daily walk, or using nicotine patches can shave years off your risk.

Finally, manage stress. Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that can worsen both RA flare‑ups and heart strain. Simple breathing exercises, meditation, or talking with a therapist can keep stress levels low and help your body stay balanced.

By linking your RA treatment plan with heart‑healthy habits, you give yourself the best shot at a longer, fuller life. Keep an eye on inflammation, stay active, eat smart, and don’t ignore the classic heart checks. Your joints and your heart will thank you.