Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis inflammation and affects approximately 2 million Americans. This is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by abnormal function of the immune system. For whatever reason [which is still unknown], the immune system attacks healthy tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, joint tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles are attacked and inflamed. Symptoms that appear include pain, swelling, and tenderness. The small joints of the hands and feet are most affected. Other prominent symptoms include fatigue and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that means it attacks many different organ systems. One organ system that can be affected is a blood vessel. This vascular inflammation is called vasculitis. It is especially dangerous because blood vessels transport blood to the body: the brain, lungs, skin, kidneys and heart. The organ is "closed". why? As vascular inflammation progresses, blood vessels are no longer able to deliver blood.
Vasculitis caused by rheumatoid arthritis can lead to heart attacks and strokes. [Roman MJ, et al. Preclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Annals Int Med 2006; 144:249-256]
The sidebar for this is an eye involvement that can occur. Infection of the sclera - the white part of the eye - may cause perforation or bleeding leading to blindness.
An interesting aspect is that several studies have provided evidence that the effects of long-term smoking on the immune system are not normal. This is likely to explain why smoking is associated with an increased severity of the disease. This is also the reason for the terrible combination of smoking and rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking causes premature atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
If left untreated, the life expectancy of rheumatoid arthritis is reduced by an average of 7 to 8 years. It increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. 60% of untreated patients are disabled for 10 years and depend on others to care for them.
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Another factor that leads to a shortened life span is the increased incidence of lymphoma in RA patients.
Orignal From: Rheumatoid arthritis: a life-threatening condition?
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