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A member asked:

Is there a connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease/heart attacks? what would it be?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Nathan Almeida answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine - Cardiology

Yes: Rheumatoid arthritis (and any chronic inflammatory state) accelerates formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels, and hence is a risk factor for causing heart attacks. Moreover, chronic steroid use (if used to treat ra) may cause metabolic changes that predispose for heart attacks as well.

Answered 7/18/2013

5.3k views

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