Can rheumatoid arthritis be fatal. How does RA affect life expectancy. What are the main complications of rheumatoid arthritis. How can RA impact heart health. What respiratory problems are associated with RA. Why are infections more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Impact on Longevity

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects joints and tissues throughout the body. While RA itself is not directly fatal, it can lead to complications that may impact life expectancy. Research indicates that people with RA have a slightly reduced life expectancy compared to the general population, with one study in Taiwan showing an average reduction of 4.97 years.

Is RA always associated with a shorter lifespan? Not necessarily. With proper management and treatment, many individuals with RA can maintain a life expectancy similar to those without the condition. The key lies in early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle modifications.

Factors Influencing RA Prognosis and Life Expectancy

Several factors can influence the prognosis and life expectancy of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis:

• Disease progression
• Sex (females are more likely to develop severe RA, while males have a higher risk of cardiovascular complications)
• Age at diagnosis
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption)
• Presence of other medical conditions
• Treatment adherence and effectiveness

Do these factors affect everyone with RA equally? The impact varies from person to person, highlighting the importance of individualized care and regular medical follow-ups.

Major Complications Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

While RA primarily affects joints, its systemic nature can lead to various complications throughout the body. The three main areas of concern are:

1. Heart Disease

RA can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. How does this happen? The chronic inflammation associated with RA can damage arteries, heart muscles, and surrounding tissues. Some key cardiac complications include:

• Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s protective sac)
• Atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in arteries)
• Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes

Is pericarditis a common complication in RA patients? While it’s the most frequent cardiac complication, symptomatic pericarditis occurs in less than 10% of RA cases. However, any symptoms affecting the heart should be taken seriously.

2. Respiratory Problems

RA can affect the lungs and respiratory system in various ways:

• Interstitial lung disease
• Pleural effusion
• Rheumatoid nodules in the lungs
• Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Can RA-related lung issues be managed effectively? With early detection and appropriate treatment, many respiratory complications can be managed, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and prompt attention to any breathing difficulties.

3. Increased Risk of Infections

People with RA are more susceptible to infections due to:

• Reduced immune system function caused by the disease itself
• Side effects of immunosuppressive medications used to treat RA

Does this mean RA patients should avoid immunosuppressive treatments? Not at all. The benefits of these medications often outweigh the risks, but patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor for signs of infection and take appropriate preventive measures.

The Role of Treatment in Managing RA and Improving Prognosis

Advancements in RA treatment have significantly improved outcomes for patients in recent years. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, slowing disease progression, and minimizing the risk of complications.

How effective are these treatments in improving life expectancy? Studies have shown a decrease in overall mortality rates among RA patients in recent years, which is attributed, at least in part, to improved treatment methods. Early and aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of severe complications.

Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on RA Prognosis

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle choices can significantly influence the course of RA and overall health outcomes. Key factors include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Stress management techniques
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
• Getting adequate sleep and rest

Can lifestyle changes really make a difference in RA management? Absolutely. These factors can help reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and enhance overall well-being, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes.

The Importance of Regular Monitoring and Follow-up Care

Consistent medical care is crucial for managing RA effectively and preventing complications. Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to:

• Monitor disease activity and adjust treatments as needed
• Screen for potential complications
• Assess and manage cardiovascular risk factors
• Provide guidance on lifestyle modifications
• Address any concerns or questions patients may have

How often should RA patients see their rheumatologist? The frequency of visits depends on individual circumstances, but most patients benefit from check-ups every 3-6 months, with more frequent visits during disease flares or treatment adjustments.

Emerging Research and Future Prospects in RA Management

The field of rheumatology is continuously evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving RA treatment and outcomes. Some promising areas of study include:

• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and biomarker profiles
• Novel targeted therapies with improved efficacy and safety profiles
• Regenerative medicine techniques for joint repair and restoration
• Advanced imaging technologies for earlier and more accurate diagnosis
• Gut microbiome research and its potential role in RA management

What do these advancements mean for RA patients? While many of these areas are still in the research phase, they offer hope for even better management strategies and improved quality of life for individuals with RA in the future.

Living Well with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Strategies for Long-term Success

Despite the challenges associated with RA, many individuals lead fulfilling and productive lives with the condition. Some key strategies for long-term success include:

1. Educating yourself about RA and staying informed about new developments
2. Building a strong support network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals
3. Adhering to prescribed treatments and communicating openly with your healthcare team
4. Practicing self-care and prioritizing mental health
5. Staying physically active within your abilities
6. Adapting your environment and routines to accommodate RA-related challenges
7. Exploring complementary therapies like acupuncture or meditation, in consultation with your doctor

Is it possible to thrive despite having RA? Many individuals with RA lead fulfilling lives by adopting a proactive approach to their health and well-being. While challenges may arise, a combination of medical management, lifestyle adjustments, and a positive mindset can help maintain a good quality of life.

In conclusion, while rheumatoid arthritis can present significant health challenges and potentially impact life expectancy, advancements in treatment and management strategies have greatly improved outcomes for many patients. By working closely with healthcare providers, adhering to treatment plans, and making positive lifestyle choices, individuals with RA can often lead long, active, and fulfilling lives. As research continues to progress, the future holds promise for even better ways to manage this complex condition and further improve long-term prognosis.

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.

Moscow Exchange introduced a trading terminal for the Russian market

The Trade Radar terminal is designed for various categories of users. Subsequently, its functionality will be expanded and will allow you to make transactions with various assets, as well as process exchange data with high quality

Photo: Mikhail Grebenshchikov / RBC

Moskovskaya
exchange
presented a trading terminal of its own design “Trade Radar” at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2023). In the near future, investors will have access to the beta version, and before the end of the year — to the full version of the product.

During the presentation, the head of the trading platform, Yuri Denisov, said that the product is designed for different categories of users, RBC Investment correspondent reported. The terminal consists of two parts – informational and trading.

Screenshot of the trading terminal of the Moscow Exchange “Trade Radar”

(Photo: Moscow Exchange)

adv. rbc.ru

Informational is based on current real-time quotes, as well as historical data for all trading sections of the Moscow Exchange. In addition, the terminal contains a calendar of events, the news feed of the Prime agency, reference data and data on corporate actions. Analytical tools – visualization, technical analysis – will allow you to process this information.

The trading part allows you to negotiate deals through a secure multimodal chat, which is both built into the system itself and provided as a separate application on mobile devices. Thanks to the trading part, investors will be able to conclude deals on the OTC market, and market makers will be able to track indicative asset prices.

Screenshot of the trading terminal of the Moscow Exchange “Trade Radar”

(Photo: Mosbirzha)

The terminal has the ability to integrate with external systems of post-trading services, information analysis, and trading decision making. The guarantee of security and safety of personal data is provided by the Moscow Exchange, which administers the service.

In the final version, Trade Radar will have a wide range of data processing and visualization functions. “In the future, the terminal will allow Russian and foreign companies in the financial and other sectors, as well as ministries and departments, to receive comprehensive data on the state of the Russian financial market, exchange information, news flows, company reporting, use analytical tools and make trading operations with various assets,” it says. in the site message.

In the spring of 2022, the Bloomberg trading terminal was suspended in Russia and Belarus. “Customers in the two countries will not be able to access any of Bloomberg’s financial products, including the terminal, data license, data feed, and electronic trading platforms,” ​​the agency said in a statement. Also, Russian users do not have access to a product that is a direct competitor to Bloomberg – Eikon from Thompson Reuters.

A regulated market where sellers and buyers meet, trading in various assets: stocks, bonds, currencies, futures, commodities. Everyone can become a participant in trading on the stock exchange – for this you need to open a brokerage account. Each transaction is concluded at a market price, is completed almost instantly, and is also registered and controlled.
Read more

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