Can rheumatoid arthritis be fatal. What are the life-threatening complications of RA. How does RA affect life expectancy. What factors influence the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis. How can RA-related risks be mitigated.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by widespread inflammation throughout the body. While RA primarily affects joints, its impact extends far beyond, potentially influencing various organ systems and overall health outcomes.

Is RA itself deadly? No, rheumatoid arthritis is not directly fatal. However, it can lead to serious complications that may significantly impact a person’s lifespan and quality of life. Understanding these risks is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.

The Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Life Expectancy

Research indicates that RA can reduce life expectancy. A comprehensive study involving nearly 30,000 individuals with RA in Taiwan revealed an average life expectancy reduction of 4.97 years compared to the general population. However, it’s important to note that with proper management and treatment, many people with RA can achieve a life expectancy comparable to those without the condition.

Factors Influencing RA Prognosis

• Disease progression
• Age at diagnosis
• Sex (females are more likely to develop severe RA)
• Presence of seropositive or seronegative RA
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption)
• Comorbid conditions
• Treatment adherence and effectiveness

Seropositive RA, characterized by the presence of specific antibodies, is associated with a higher risk of severe disease manifestations and complications such as rheumatoid nodules and vasculitis. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.

Life-Threatening Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis

While RA primarily affects joints, its systemic nature can lead to various complications that may pose serious health risks. Understanding these potential complications is essential for comprehensive care and risk mitigation.

Cardiovascular Complications

Heart disease is a significant concern for individuals with RA. How does RA affect the cardiovascular system? The chronic inflammation associated with RA can damage arteries, heart muscles, and surrounding tissues, leading to several cardiac complications:

• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium (heart’s protective sac)
• Atherosclerosis: Increased risk of plaque buildup in arteries
• Ischemic stroke: Nearly doubled risk compared to the general population
• Deep vein thrombosis: Tripled risk of blood clots

Pericarditis, while rarely symptomatic, affects up to 10% of RA patients and can be life-threatening if symptoms develop. The increased risk of atherosclerosis is particularly concerning, as RA-related plaque tends to be more brittle, elevating the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Respiratory Complications

RA can significantly impact lung health, leading to various respiratory complications:

• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pleural effusion
• Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

These respiratory issues can severely affect quality of life and, in some cases, become life-threatening. Regular monitoring of lung function is crucial for early detection and management of these complications.

Increased Infection Risk

Why are RA patients more susceptible to infections? The combination of a dysregulated immune system and immunosuppressive treatments can significantly increase infection risk. Common and opportunistic infections pose a greater threat to individuals with RA, potentially leading to severe complications or even sepsis.

Managing RA: Strategies to Mitigate Risks and Improve Outcomes

Effective management of RA is crucial for reducing the risk of complications and improving overall life expectancy. What are the key components of RA management?

1. Early diagnosis and treatment initiation
2. Use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics
3. Regular monitoring of disease activity and treatment efficacy
4. Lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation, regular exercise)
5. Management of comorbid conditions
6. Regular screenings for potential complications

Early intervention with DMARDs and biologics has shown promising results in slowing disease progression and reducing the risk of complications. These medications work by targeting the underlying inflammatory processes, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of extra-articular manifestations of RA.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in RA Prognosis

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in managing RA and its associated risks. How can individuals with RA improve their prognosis through lifestyle modifications?

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
• Engage in regular, low-impact exercise to maintain joint flexibility and overall health
• Quit smoking, as it exacerbates RA symptoms and increases cardiovascular risks
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices
• Ensure adequate sleep and rest

These lifestyle changes, when combined with medical management, can significantly improve quality of life and potentially reduce the risk of RA-related complications.

Advances in RA Treatment: Improving Long-Term Outcomes

Recent years have seen significant advancements in RA treatment, contributing to improved mortality rates among RA patients. What are some of the latest developments in RA management?

• Targeted biologic therapies
• JAK inhibitors
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and biomarker profiles
• Improved combination therapy strategies
• Enhanced monitoring techniques for disease activity and treatment response

These advancements have led to more effective disease control, potentially reducing the risk of long-term complications and improving overall life expectancy for individuals with RA.

The Importance of Comprehensive Care and Regular Monitoring

Managing RA effectively requires a multidisciplinary approach and regular monitoring. How can comprehensive care improve outcomes for RA patients?

• Regular rheumatologist visits for disease activity assessment
• Cardiovascular risk assessment and management
• Pulmonary function tests to monitor respiratory health
• Bone density scans to assess osteoporosis risk
• Regular blood tests to monitor inflammation levels and medication effects
• Coordination between rheumatologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists

This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of RA and its potential complications are addressed, potentially improving long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Living with RA: Empowering Patients for Better Health Outcomes

While RA poses significant health challenges, empowering patients with knowledge and self-management skills can lead to improved outcomes. How can individuals with RA take an active role in their health management?

• Educate themselves about RA and its potential complications
• Adhere to prescribed treatment regimens
• Communicate openly with healthcare providers about symptoms and concerns
• Participate in shared decision-making regarding treatment options
• Join support groups or patient advocacy organizations
• Stay informed about the latest research and treatment advancements

By taking an active role in their care, individuals with RA can work effectively with their healthcare team to manage the condition, reduce risks, and improve their overall quality of life.

Understanding the potential complications of RA and implementing comprehensive management strategies are crucial steps in mitigating risks and improving long-term outcomes. While RA itself is not directly fatal, its impact on various body systems necessitates vigilant monitoring and proactive management. With advancements in treatment options and a focus on personalized care, many individuals with RA can lead fulfilling lives and potentially achieve life expectancies comparable to those without the condition. The key lies in early diagnosis, effective treatment, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring to address potential complications before they become life-threatening.

Can you die from rheumatoid arthritis? Lifespan and outlook

A person cannot die from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, RA can increase the risk of developing complications, such as heart disease. Some of these can be life threatening.

RA is a chronic medical condition that involves increased levels of inflammation in tissues throughout the body.

The condition can make a person more likely to develop health complications affecting the heart and lungs. The risk of complications depends on a range of factors, including age, disease progression, and a person’s lifestyle.

There is currently no cure for RA. However, effective treatment can slow down or stop the condition’s progression and help prevent complications. Treatments work best when a person starts them early in the disease progression.

In this article, we look at how RA may affect a person’s lifespan.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

A person cannot die from RA. However, people with RA typically have a slightly reduced life expectancy. A study of almost 30,000 people with RA in Taiwan found that people with the condition have an average life expectancy reduction of 4.97 years.

However, with the correct management, many people with RA can have the same life expectancy as those without it.

People with seropositive RA are at a greater risk of developing severe forms of RA than those with seronegative RA. They also have a higher risk of developing physical complications such as rheumatoid nodules and vasculitis.

Widespread inflammation from RA can increase a person’s risk of developing other life threatening complications.

Share on PinterestThomas Stockhausen/Getty Images

RA causes inflammation throughout the body that, over time, can damage organ tissues. Having RA-related complications can affect a person’s lifespan.

Existing conditions

Findings of a 2017 study indicate that the following are more likely to cause death in people with RA than in the general population:

• cardiovascular disease
• respiratory disease
• infection
• musculoskeletal conditions

People with RA may be more likely to develop infections because of reduced immune system function. Some medications prescribed to treat RA can also increase the risk of infection.

Other risk factors

It is difficult to predict how complications of RA may affect a person’s lifespan. This is because their risk and severity depend on a wide range of factors.

Factors can include:

• RA progression
• sex, with females being more likely to develop severe RA, though males with and without RA have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
• age at diagnosis, with early diagnosis improving a person’s outlook
• lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol

Authors of a 2018 study report that overall mortality rates among people with RA have decreased in recent years. This may be at least partially due to improved treatment methods.

Medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics can reduce the risk of RA-related complications.

Learn more about DMARDs and biologics here.

As RA progresses, long lasting or frequently occurring inflammation in the joints can lead to permanent joint damage. This can affect the cervical spine joints in the neck and may cause nodules to form under the skin.

RA can also increase the risk of certain health conditions. The following sections discuss three main complications: heart disease, respiratory problems, and infection.

Heart disease

RA can cause inflammation and damage to the arteries, the heart muscles, or tissues surrounding the heart.

Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium (the pouch surrounding the heart) and fluid buildup in this pouch, may be significant factors. Pericarditis is the most common cardiac complication of RA, though people rarely experience symptoms. Fewer than 10% of people with RA have symptomatic pericarditis.

While pericarditis is rarely a serious complication, any symptoms affecting the pericardium can be life threatening.

People with RA are also much more likely to develop atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque in the arteries. In a person with RA, this plaque is more likely to be brittle and break away, leading to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Some RA medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, may also increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Other medications, including JAK inhibitors, can increase the risk of other major cardiac events.

The Arthritis Foundation notes that RA increases the risk of several other heart complications, including:

• a nearly doubled risk of ischemic stroke
• a tripled risk of deep vein thrombosis, which refers to blood clots in the legs
• a more than quadrupled risk of a life threatening pulmonary embolism

Respiratory disease

According to the Arthritis Foundation, beyond complications that affect the joints, people with RA are most likely to experience complications involving the lungs.

RA increases the risk of respiratory issues, such as:

• nodules in the lungs
• pleural effusion
• bronchiectasis
• interstitial lung disease

The rate of interstitial lung disease is eight times higher in people with RA. It occurs when excessive inflammation from an overactive immune system causes scarring in lung tissue. This can make breathing difficult or impossible, and a person could eventually need a lung transplant.

People with RA may also have a higher risk of developing blockages in the small airways of the lungs. Sometimes, RA medications can also cause adverse reactions in the lungs and lung lining.

Infection

People with autoimmune conditions such as RA are more susceptible to potentially serious and even fatal infections.

In people with RA, it is still unclear whether this susceptibility results from the condition or a side effect of RA medications, including biologics and steroids.

Vaccinations, such as the COVID-19, flu, and pneumococcal vaccines, can help prevent some infections associated with RA.

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

Was this helpful?

Other complications

Other complications from RA include:

• inflammation in the eye
• osteoporosis
• anemia
• type 2 diabetes
• rheumatoid vasculitis
• lymphoma
• chronic kidney disease
• depression

Learn more about the effects of RA on the body here.

Most people with RA can lead a full and active life. It is important for a person to follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of other illnesses associated with RA.

There is no cure for RA. Treatments aim to slow the progression of the condition and manage symptoms such as inflammation and pain.

An effective treatment plan can help prevent complications of RA. Some home remedies may also help manage RA symptoms and protect against complications.

Doctors may recommend that people with RA make changes to their diet and lifestyle, such as:

• quitting smoking
• doing regular low impact exercises, such as swimming and light muscle training
• eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods
• going to counseling or engaging with a support group
• taking plenty of time to rest throughout the day

People with RA should work directly with a doctor to create and adapt their treatment plan.

Regular appointments with a rheumatologist may also help. The specialist can monitor the progression of the disease and recommend any necessary treatment changes.

Complementary therapies — such as massage, meditation, and acupuncture — may also benefit people with the condition. Results can vary, so it may help to try a few different techniques.

Following an anti-inflammatory diet for RA can also help.

Learn about 11 home remedies for RA here.

RA is a chronic condition with no known cure. People do not die from RA. However, it can lead to serious complications that can compromise overall health.

A person with RA may have a reduced life expectancy. However, the condition affects each person differently, and it can be difficult for doctors to predict an individual’s outlook.

Receiving treatment and making recommended lifestyle changes early on can help manage symptoms and improve a person’s outlook.

A person with RA should work directly with a doctor and rheumatologist to set and modify treatments. Doing this can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Can you die from rheumatoid arthritis? Lifespan and outlook

A person cannot die from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, RA can increase the risk of developing complications, such as heart disease. Some of these can be life threatening.

RA is a chronic medical condition that involves increased levels of inflammation in tissues throughout the body.

The condition can make a person more likely to develop health complications affecting the heart and lungs. The risk of complications depends on a range of factors, including age, disease progression, and a person’s lifestyle.

There is currently no cure for RA. However, effective treatment can slow down or stop the condition’s progression and help prevent complications. Treatments work best when a person starts them early in the disease progression.

In this article, we look at how RA may affect a person’s lifespan.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

A person cannot die from RA. However, people with RA typically have a slightly reduced life expectancy. A study of almost 30,000 people with RA in Taiwan found that people with the condition have an average life expectancy reduction of 4.97 years.

However, with the correct management, many people with RA can have the same life expectancy as those without it.

People with seropositive RA are at a greater risk of developing severe forms of RA than those with seronegative RA. They also have a higher risk of developing physical complications such as rheumatoid nodules and vasculitis.

Widespread inflammation from RA can increase a person’s risk of developing other life threatening complications.

Share on PinterestThomas Stockhausen/Getty Images

RA causes inflammation throughout the body that, over time, can damage organ tissues. Having RA-related complications can affect a person’s lifespan.

Existing conditions

Findings of a 2017 study indicate that the following are more likely to cause death in people with RA than in the general population:

• cardiovascular disease
• respiratory disease
• infection
• musculoskeletal conditions

People with RA may be more likely to develop infections because of reduced immune system function. Some medications prescribed to treat RA can also increase the risk of infection.

Other risk factors

It is difficult to predict how complications of RA may affect a person’s lifespan. This is because their risk and severity depend on a wide range of factors.

Factors can include:

• RA progression
• sex, with females being more likely to develop severe RA, though males with and without RA have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
• age at diagnosis, with early diagnosis improving a person’s outlook
• lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol

Authors of a 2018 study report that overall mortality rates among people with RA have decreased in recent years. This may be at least partially due to improved treatment methods.

Medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics can reduce the risk of RA-related complications.

Learn more about DMARDs and biologics here.

As RA progresses, long lasting or frequently occurring inflammation in the joints can lead to permanent joint damage. This can affect the cervical spine joints in the neck and may cause nodules to form under the skin.

RA can also increase the risk of certain health conditions. The following sections discuss three main complications: heart disease, respiratory problems, and infection.

Heart disease

RA can cause inflammation and damage to the arteries, the heart muscles, or tissues surrounding the heart.

Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium (the pouch surrounding the heart) and fluid buildup in this pouch, may be significant factors. Pericarditis is the most common cardiac complication of RA, though people rarely experience symptoms. Fewer than 10% of people with RA have symptomatic pericarditis.

While pericarditis is rarely a serious complication, any symptoms affecting the pericardium can be life threatening.

People with RA are also much more likely to develop atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque in the arteries. In a person with RA, this plaque is more likely to be brittle and break away, leading to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Some RA medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, may also increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Other medications, including JAK inhibitors, can increase the risk of other major cardiac events.

The Arthritis Foundation notes that RA increases the risk of several other heart complications, including:

• a nearly doubled risk of ischemic stroke
• a tripled risk of deep vein thrombosis, which refers to blood clots in the legs
• a more than quadrupled risk of a life threatening pulmonary embolism

Respiratory disease

According to the Arthritis Foundation, beyond complications that affect the joints, people with RA are most likely to experience complications involving the lungs.

RA increases the risk of respiratory issues, such as:

• nodules in the lungs
• pleural effusion
• bronchiectasis
• interstitial lung disease

The rate of interstitial lung disease is eight times higher in people with RA. It occurs when excessive inflammation from an overactive immune system causes scarring in lung tissue. This can make breathing difficult or impossible, and a person could eventually need a lung transplant.

People with RA may also have a higher risk of developing blockages in the small airways of the lungs. Sometimes, RA medications can also cause adverse reactions in the lungs and lung lining.

Infection

People with autoimmune conditions such as RA are more susceptible to potentially serious and even fatal infections.

In people with RA, it is still unclear whether this susceptibility results from the condition or a side effect of RA medications, including biologics and steroids.

Vaccinations, such as the COVID-19, flu, and pneumococcal vaccines, can help prevent some infections associated with RA.

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

Was this helpful?

Other complications

Other complications from RA include:

• inflammation in the eye
• osteoporosis
• anemia
• type 2 diabetes
• rheumatoid vasculitis
• lymphoma
• chronic kidney disease
• depression

Learn more about the effects of RA on the body here.

Most people with RA can lead a full and active life. It is important for a person to follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of other illnesses associated with RA.

There is no cure for RA. Treatments aim to slow the progression of the condition and manage symptoms such as inflammation and pain.

An effective treatment plan can help prevent complications of RA. Some home remedies may also help manage RA symptoms and protect against complications.

Doctors may recommend that people with RA make changes to their diet and lifestyle, such as:

• quitting smoking
• doing regular low impact exercises, such as swimming and light muscle training
• eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods
• going to counseling or engaging with a support group
• taking plenty of time to rest throughout the day

People with RA should work directly with a doctor to create and adapt their treatment plan.

Regular appointments with a rheumatologist may also help. The specialist can monitor the progression of the disease and recommend any necessary treatment changes.

Complementary therapies — such as massage, meditation, and acupuncture — may also benefit people with the condition. Results can vary, so it may help to try a few different techniques.

Following an anti-inflammatory diet for RA can also help.

Learn about 11 home remedies for RA here.

RA is a chronic condition with no known cure. People do not die from RA. However, it can lead to serious complications that can compromise overall health.

A person with RA may have a reduced life expectancy. However, the condition affects each person differently, and it can be difficult for doctors to predict an individual’s outlook.

Receiving treatment and making recommended lifestyle changes early on can help manage symptoms and improve a person’s outlook.

A person with RA should work directly with a doctor and rheumatologist to set and modify treatments. Doing this can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Film Especially dangerous (USA, Germany, 2008) – Afisha-Kino

9 0004 Yelets,

9 0004 Klintsy,

90 004 Krasnoyarsk,

9000 4 Saransk,

900 04 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk,

Bekmambetov’s fighter “Especially Dangerous” with Jolie and Khabensky after 14 years in the top Netflix – how did the film turn out, where Russian and world stars together

#Wanted #Angelina Jolie #James McAvoy #Timur Bekmambetov

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July 11, 2022, 18:35

Dmitry Proskurin

The sixth most-watched movie in July on Netflix is ​​the 2008 action thriller “Wanted” by director Timur Bekmambetov. The film reached this status 10 days after the appearance on the service.

Wanted has previously appeared on Netflix (in 2018 and 2019), but has been available in the library for a total of seven months. Success in 2022 came as a surprise to the creators: “Sudden reason for pride! Subscribers rushed to reacquaint themselves with the insane superhero action movie,” Bazelevs, Bekmambetov’s company, rejoices.

What is “Wanted” about? And how Jolie, McAvoy and Morgan Freeman ended up in Bekmambetov’s film

The film is based on a comic book by Mark Millar. His plot – a boring clerk becomes a killer in the Brotherhood of Weavers sect, where assassins are trained.

Universal Studios adapted the comic book script – they wanted to make a violent action movie with a high age rating. But the producers did not like the first script – it turned out to be a standard Hollywood movie. Then, for the sake of an experiment, Universal called Timur Bekmambetov, who had not made films in English before.

Bekmambetov explained that he never aspired to Hollywood and became the director of “Wanted” “by coincidence.” He believes that he was called because of the success of the movie Night Watch. The film was shot in Prague, so Bekmambetov did not feel what a Hollywood project was doing.

And the bosses of Universal did not put pressure on Bekmambetov. He said that on the contrary, he received complete freedom and considers it a myth that Hollywood puts pressure on authors. Bekmambetov spent a year refining the script (tripled it) and believes that he made it deeper. All the special effects in the film (there are more than a hundred of them) were also made by Bekmambetov’s studio.

The main question – why so many stars in the project? James McAvoy said he liked the script and The Night’s Watch. McEvoy even called Bekmambetov a genius: “He thinks as if his head is in another room.” For the sake of the role, McAvoy rocked a lot, refused alcohol and overcame the fear of kissing Jolie. How did she get into the movie?

Bekmambetov said that negotiations with Jolie were difficult. She agreed, but subject to a modified script – Jolie wanted her character to die at the end of the film. Bekmambetov also talked about Jolie’s looseness – she wanted “the director to do everything with her.” For example, her make-up artists did not paint over her tattoos, but only added new ones – with the Russian words “determination” and “pain”.

How “Wanted” was promoted in Russia through the writer Lukyanenko, Urgant, Bezrukov and public opinion polls

In the Russian media, the film was presented as a great success – because never before had a director from Russia made such a budget blockbuster with Hollywood stars. A poll was even conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation – more than half of the viewers said that “Especially Dangerous” is a breakthrough in Russian cinema.

The film’s main marketing driver in Russia is Konstantin Khabensky, who plays a small role, but still among world stars. He said that he agreed to the role for this reason – he was interested in being side by side with great actors.

And it is important that Khabensky did not have a kiss with Jolie. She gave him artificial respiration. And with McAvoy everything was real.

Russian stars also participated in dubbing: Sergey Bezrukov, Gosha Kutsenko, Ivan Urgant. But at the same time, the last word of the film, even in the Russian version, is pronounced by McEvoy – “I hit”. The science fiction writer Sergei Lukyanenko was responsible for the replicas in Russian.

The success of “Wanted”: paid for itself several times over, two Oscar nominations, a failed sequel

“Wanted” received moderately positive reviews from viewers and critics.

• Kinopoisk – 6.8;
• IMDb – 6.7;
• Rotten Tomatoes – 69%

What they praise for. “Especially Dangerous” is a driving and inventive action movie that keeps you in suspense and does not slide down to the clichés of the genre. Bekmambetov added an oriental originality and cruelty to the film, which is unusual for sleek Hollywood.

What they criticize for. A complicated script, a lot of slow-mo scenes, Hollywood stars play weak characters. It is also noticeable that McAvoy is voiced by Bezrukov. And it is not clear why the film needs Khabensky, who is beaten in the script through jokes about a typical Russian with vodka.

But financially the film turned out to be successful. With a budget of $75 million, it grossed $341 million at the global box office, with about a third of the profit coming from viewers in the United States. Also, “Wanted” has two Oscar nominations – for work with sound.

Due to the success of the film, over the last 14 years there has been talk that the film needs a sequel. In 2009, Bekmambetov talked about the start of work on it, the studio found screenwriters, and Jolie abandoned the project. But the film was never put into production.

The last time Bekmambetov spoke about the continuation of “Especially Dangerous” was in 2020.