People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. These two conditions are comorbidities, meaning they commonly occur together. Large research studies have shown that the prevalence of hypertension in people with RA ranges from 52 percent to 73 percent.
Naproxcinod, a drug that donates nitric oxide (NO), offers a therapeutic option that may mitigate the negative blood pressure effects and adverse gastrointestinal effects associated with traditional arthritis therapies. This is a significant development, as managing both conditions effectively is crucial for patients’ overall health.
However, it is important to note that some medications used to treat RA can have adverse effects on blood pressure, kidney, and heart health. For example, corticosteroids, a common treatment for RA, can cause increased appetite, increased urination, muscle and bone weakness, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and mental health issues such as depression, confusion, or anxiety. Another common RA medication, methotrexate, can increase the risk of infections, cause skin rash and sores, diarrhea, cirrhosis of the liver, and hair loss.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a main group of medications used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, including RA, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and lupus. DMARDs play a crucial role in managing these conditions and preventing further damage.
In addition to medication, there are other strategies to manage arthritis pain and improve sleep quality. These include applying cold compresses to the affected joints to reduce inflammation, using a heat pad on the affected areas before bed, taking a warm shower or bath before bedtime, and taking over-the-counter pain medications.
RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation. This commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees, leading to chronic joint pain, inflammation of the joint lining, and damage to the joint tissue, eventually resulting in joint deformity.
To manage arthritis pain, injections of corticosteroids combined with a numbing agent directly into the affected joint can be effective. Another option is hyaluronic acid injections, which help to lubricate the joint.
Managing both hypertension and RA is crucial for patients’ overall health, and it requires a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and potentially other therapeutic interventions.
For additional resources and information, you can visit the following links:
High Blood Pressure and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What’s the Connection
PubMed
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