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A member asked:

How common is rheumatoid arthritis? is it hereditary?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Jay Bradley answered

Specializes in Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery

Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is not common but not rare either. It has a hereditary component and having a family history increases your risk of developing the disease.

Answered 3/26/2013

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Rheumatoid arthritis: -prevalence: 0.3 - 1.5% of population -women affected 2-3x more often -twin concordance: 30 to 50% -peak incidence ages 30 to 50 years.

Answered 11/30/2012

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