Rheumatoid arthritis increases risk of heart problems

People with arthritis are at a higher risk of developing fatal heart problems.

Scientists from Copenhagen University found that those with rheumatoid arthritis are 40 per cent more likely to suffer from an irregular heartbeat, complications of which can lead to a heart attack.

They are also more likely to experience a stroke, however, the overall risk of both remains low.

The study looked at the health of over four million people for five years, around 18,000 of which had rheumatoid arthritis.

"Inflammation plays a central role in rheumatoid arthritis and in the disease process of many other related conditions, so it's not surprising that it may also play a role in the development of atrial fibrillation," explained Professor Michael Ehrenstein, of Arthritis Research UK.

However, a team from Newcastle University has made a discovery which could revolutionise the way rheumatoid arthritis is treated.

The new approach aims to prevent white blood cells damaging the joints by cutting off the signals that attract them.

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