Rheumatoid Arthritis May Shorten Life Span
Heart, respiratory problems were main contributors to early death, researchers found
The researchers also analyzed differences between the two types of rheumatoid arthritis: seropositive and seronegative. Those with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis -- which typically causes more severe symptoms -- were nearly three times more likely to die of respiratory causes than those with seronegative disease, according to the study. It was published Nov. 3 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.
While many doctors know that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at increased risk of death from heart problems, the new findings highlight the need to watch for respiratory symptoms, even among patients who never smoked or are former smokers, Sparks added.
"We hope that this study will encourage patients and clinicians to be more aware that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of both respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, particularly patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis," he said.
Rheumatoid Arthritis May Shorten Life Span
Heart, respiratory problems were main contributors to early death, researchers found
The researchers also analyzed differences between the two types of rheumatoid arthritis: seropositive and seronegative. Those with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis -- which typically causes more severe symptoms -- were nearly three times more likely to die of respiratory causes than those with seronegative disease, according to the study. It was published Nov. 3 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.
While many doctors know that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at increased risk of death from heart problems, the new findings highlight the need to watch for respiratory symptoms, even among patients who never smoked or are former smokers, Sparks added.
"We hope that this study will encourage patients and clinicians to be more aware that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of both respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, particularly patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis," he said.