Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can significantly impact various body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels, beyond just affecting the joints. This condition is characterized by swelling and tenderness in one or more joints, with joint pain and stiffness often worsening with age. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, each with distinct features.
Risk factors for RA are crucial to understand for both patients and healthcare providers. Researchers have identified several genetic and environmental factors that could alter the risk of developing RA. Key characteristics that increase this risk include:
Age: While RA can begin at any age, the likelihood increases with age, particularly among adults in their sixties.
Sex: Women and individuals designated female at birth are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Family History: A family history of RA increases the likelihood of developing the condition. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) notes that relatives of people with RA have a 0.8% risk compared to 0.5% for those with no family history.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking not only elevates the risk of developing RA but can also exacerbate the severity of the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking parts of the body, specifically targeting the synovium, the membranes surrounding the joints. This autoimmune response leads to the characteristic symptoms of RA.
Understanding the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is also important. While both conditions involve joint pain and stiffness, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, whereas osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative joint disease.
For more detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis, its symptoms, causes, and risk factors, you can visit these informative resources:
Mayo Clinic
CDC
Mayo Clinic on Arthritis
Verywell Health
Cleveland Clinic
Arthritis Foundation
CDC on Arthritis Risk Factors
Medical News Today
