Rheumatoid arthritis, often known as RA, has been linked by researchers to a shorter lifespan than other forms of arthritis. However, because this ailment manifests itself uniquely in each individual, and the progression of the disease varies from person to person, it is difficult to forecast an individual’s prognosis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, usually known simply as RA, is an autoimmune illness that manifests itself in a variety of painful and swollen symptoms across the body’s joints and also has the potential to impact the body’s internal organs.
Even though it is possible to live a long life with RA, it is believed that the condition has the potential to lower one’s life expectancy by anywhere from three to ten years.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that cannot be cured but sometimes goes into remission. Even after the condition has shown signs of improvement, it is possible for symptoms to reappear or for you to develop comorbidities that put you at risk for consequences.
The Arthritis Foundation reports that cardiovascular illness is responsible for more than fifty percent of the premature deaths that occur in patients who have RA.
Reasons why people live longer or shorter lives
The life expectancy of a person with rheumatoid arthritis is shortened due to the severity of the disease.
Because RA is a degenerative condition, it is normal for symptoms to increase over time. However, life expectancy reductions are not caused by the sickness itself. Instead, it’s the illness’s consequences.
Major consequences include:
Chronic inflammation: If untreated, chronic inflammation can cause irreversible damage to vital organs, tissues, and cells.
Comorbidities and complications: The outlook can be altered by the emergence of comorbidities or other illnesses while living with RA. Complications from the disease, which can lower a person’s life expectancy, become more likely the longer they have it.
Duration of the disease: A younger patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis can expect a longer life span than an older patient with the same diagnosis.
Immune system: Because of the inflammatory nature of rheumatoid arthritis, those who suffer from it are more likely to get infections, some of which can be quite dangerous.
Untreated RA: When RA treatments fail to alleviate symptoms or complications go untreated, life expectancy can decrease. Untreated RA patients had twice the mortality rate of those of the same age without the disease.
Other potential threats
Seropositive RA
Seropositive RA is diagnosed when one’s blood test reveals the presence of these proteins. Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed when these proteins are absent despite the presence of RA symptoms. Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis sufferers tend to experience more severe symptoms, which can shorten their lifespan.
Sex
According to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is given to a greater number of females than males. The condition also manifests itself in a more severe form in females.
Smoking
Smoking, which is a significant risk factor for the development of RA, can affect the severity of the disease. Stopping smoking lowers a person’s risk of acquiring RA, which is more severe than it would otherwise be, according to research.
Complications that come with RA
1. Anemia
Another potential side effect of chronic inflammation is anemia, which results from a shortage of red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells causes the heart to work harder to compensate for the oxygen shortage. Heart issues and even heart failure might develop if anemia is not treated.
2. Cancer
You are also more likely to get lymphoma if you have a compromised immune system. This particular malignancy starts in the white blood cells of the patient’s body. White blood cells are known as lymphocytes, and they play an important role in immunological responses. These cells are where lymphoma begins to develop.
3. Heart disease
A stroke or heart attack may be the end result of hypertension. It’s a death sentence either way. Plaque fragments are another factor that can cause blood clots. Atrial fibrillation is more common in people who simultaneously have rheumatoid arthritis. An arrhythmia’s reduced blood flow increases the risk of developing blood clots, a heart attack, or a stroke.
4. Infections
When your immune system is compromised because of RA, you are more vulnerable to illnesses like the flu and pneumonia. In addition, some anti-rheumatoid arthritis medications can make you more susceptible to illness. Joint inflammation and damage are hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs can help suppress your immune system, but they also make you more susceptible to infection.
5. Lung problems
In addition to the joints, the lungs are another organ that inflammation can negatively affect. Damage to the lungs and scarring might result from this. Breathing becomes increasingly difficult with progressive lung disease, which also has a high death rate. Lung transplantation has been shown to enhance lung function and breathing in some RA patients.
Avoiding potential complications
1. Exercise
Exercising your joints not only increases their mobility but also decreases inflammation and pain. Take 30 minutes or more of exercise most days of the week. Select low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or bicycling to avoid aggravating existing joint pain.
2. Eat healthy
Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to alleviate pain and boost your immune system.
3. Stick to your treatment plan and medication
Keep in touch with your healthcare provider to track your recovery. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if your symptoms do not improve.
4. Do not smoke
Inflammation of the lungs and hypertension caused by smoking increase the danger of cardiovascular disease and stroke. To help you quit smoking, your doctor may prescribe nicotine replacement therapy or other drugs.
Life expectancy may be reduced by 3-10 years in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, depending on their individual response to treatment and other variables. This illness is unpredictable. However, there are those who live long, healthy lives with no difficulties at all, while others encounter major complications.
Although the course of rheumatoid arthritis cannot be predicted, therapies have advanced considerably over the years. Because of this, many people with the disease can expect to live into their 90s or beyond in good health. Remission is achievable, and quality of life can be restored with early detection and treatment.