Rheumatoid arthritis patients have a higher risk of heart-related problems, including hardened arteries. In order to protect the heart health of these patients, researchers must find what causes these heightened risks.

The inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than the joints; it also poses a threat to the heart. When it comes to protecting the heart health of rheumatoid arthritis patients, certain drugs are falling short.

People with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from inflammation of the joints. That inflammation can spread to other organs, causing additional health problems. Atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) may be one of these problems.

Like many autoimmune diseases (when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissue), rheumatoid arthritis is associated with other health problems and can harm many parts of the body, including the heart.

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health have identified a new, extremely rare vascular disease and its genetic cause.