Rheumatoid
arthritis is an autoimmune disease with unknown causes. There is
currently no known cure or means of preventing rheumatoid arthritis 51.
Evidence exists that rheumatoid arthritis may have a genetic component 1. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis have a genetic marker called HLA-DR4 32.
The genetic marker may make it more likely that the immune system will
attack the body's joint tissues, causing inflammation and pain. It is
also possible that certain viruses, bacteria, or environmental
contaminants might cause the immune system to malfunction and attack
joint tissue.
Rheumatoid
arthritis is frequently accompanied by Graves’ disease, an auto-immune
disease of the thyroid. In fact, many people with endocrine disorders,
such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, have some symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis. Individuals with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis
have higher than average occurrences of rheumatoid arthritis;
researchers suspect there is a link between the conditions 32.
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis also develop osteoporosis, a
disease characterized by loss of bone density 32. Exercise helps to slow, and sometimes reverse bone loss due to osteoporosis. To learn more about exercise, visit the Exercise and Arthritis section on this site.
Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of developing cardiovascular
disease. Rheumatoid arthritis causes changes in body mass index,
cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and blood pressure consistent
with metabolic syndrome 12. Individuals
with the disease have a high prevalence of preclinical
atherosclerosis. The prevalence of atherosclerosis is independent
of traditional risk factors such as age, serum cholesterol level,
smoking history, and hypertension 42.
No known cure for rheumatoid arthritis exists however; many treatment
options are available which help slow the progress of symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis tends to wax and wane, and in rare
cases moves into remission 3. It is essential for someone with rheumatoid arthritis to seek medical assistance to plan their treatment course. |
