Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Heart Disease
Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S.
In a report published in the June 29 journal of Arthritis Research and Therapy, rheumatoid-arthritis sufferers are at an increased risk of death if they also suffer from coronary artery disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects about 2.1 million Americans, or about 1 percent of the population, According to Dr. Mark Gostine, founder of Michigan Pain Consultants in Grand Rapids, he commented that "for years it was thought heart disease was linked solely to high cholesterol." However recent studies have shown now that levels of inflammation are a huge factor. Dr. Gostine stated that inflammation of the arteries allows increased space for buildup of plaque, which in turn leads to coronary artery disease and a highly increased risk of heart disease. Dr. Grisanti's Comments
Here is another medical report documenting the significance of having your doctor order a C-reactive protein blood test. It is about time people begin turning their thinking about heart disease toward the issue of inflammation and not assume that cholesterol is the villian. There will soon be a day when people will be asking... So what was your C-reactive protein level instead of what was your cholesterol? Reference
Kenneth J Warrington1 , Peter D Kent1 , Robert L Frye , James F Lymp , Stephen L Kopecky2, , Jörg J Goronzy1, and Cornelia M Weyand1
Rheumatoid arthritis is an independent risk factor for multi-vessel coronary artery disease: a case control study. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2005, 7:R984-R991 Stay Informed and Subscribe to Dr. Grisanti's Free Health Tip of the Week
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