Heart attack and stroke risk significantly increased in inflammatory rheumatism

Inflammatory rheumatic disease increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
Patients with inflammatory rheumatism are subject to a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as not only their joints, but also the blood vessels in the course of the disease are increasingly damaged, according to the statement of the Professional Association of German Rheumatologists (BDRh). Particularly important is an early start of treatment to minimize the damage to the blood vessels and the risk of secondary diseases.

Around 800,000 to one million people are ill, according to the experts in Germany on inflammatory forms of rheumatism. Due to the disease, their blood vessels are increasingly damaged and "the risk of those affected for arteriosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) and consequently heart attack and stroke (...) is compared to healthy about twice," the warning of the BDRh. Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases have a similar risk of stroke and heart attack as people with diabetes.

Inflammatory rheumatism increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. (Image: pankajstock123 / fotolia.com)

Damage to the joints and blood vessels
The board member of the BDRh, Dr. med. According to Florian Schuch, "rheumatism as well as arteriosclerosis are diseases that cause inflammatory processes and at the same time are kept upright by such inflammatory processes." Early on, changes in the blood vessels can be detected in inflammatory rheumatism. The atherosclerosis risk is already significantly increased in "patients who are still symptom-free, but in whom rheumatoid factors or rheumatoid-specific autoantibodies have been detected in the blood," reports Dr. med. Schuch.

Consistent therapy and healthy lifestyle
To protect against arteriosclerosis and prevent the progression of the rheumatic disease consistent therapy and a healthy lifestyle are recommended. "The better the inflammatory rheumatism is treated and the inflammation is combated, the more effectively the risk for cardiovascular diseases can be reduced," emphasizes the expert. In addition to the treatment with modern drugs, the minimization of other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar or high blood lipid levels play a crucial role. In any case, smoking should be avoided, as it promotes inflammatory processes and reduces the effectiveness of the medication. (Fp)