Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that has far-reaching implications beyond joint pain and swelling. While RA itself doesn’t directly cause death, the complications arising from it can pose significant health risks.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from infections and diseases, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the joints. This not only causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the affected joints but can also lead to deformities, especially in the fingers, making tasks like moving your hands challenging [source].
Additionally, RA can extend its effects beyond the joints. It has the potential to impact internal organs, affecting parts of the body like the heart, lungs, nerves, eyes, and skin [source].
How Does RA Influence Life Expectancy?
While a person cannot die directly from RA, the disease can increase the risk of serious complications. For instance, it can elevate the chances of heart diseases, some of which can be life-threatening [source]. It’s not RA itself, but the complications that arise—such as hardened or blocked heart arteries, lung scarring, and even certain blood cancers—that can lead to a reduced life expectancy for some patients. An aggressive RA disease course can put individuals at a higher risk [source].
It’s also worth noting that conditions like diffuse scleroderma, while different from RA, can lead to significant organ damage, including the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, and heart. In extreme cases, this can result in organ failure, becoming a major cause of death among patients. Severe afflictions to the lung or heart, alongside acute severe systemic high blood pressure, can lead to kidney damage.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Despite the challenges posed by RA, many individuals live a long, fulfilling life while managing their condition. The key is early diagnosis, proper treatment, and consistent medical check-ups to monitor and control the disease’s progression.
In conclusion, while RA might not be a direct cause of death, understanding its potential complications is crucial for ensuring a better quality of life and a healthier future for those affected by it.
