Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a man tinh autoimmune disease. It occurs when the immune system malfunctions, attacking healthy tissues in the body instead of foreign pathogens. This condition causes prolonged inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint swelling, pain, and gradual destruction of joint structures over time.
Master, Doctor Vu Thi Huyen from the Department of Musculoskeletal Medicine at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, stated that if rheumatoid arthritis is not well-controlled, patients can face numerous dangerous complications.
Joint complications
Prolonged rheumatoid arthritis damages joint cartilage, causes joint stiffness, and restricts movement. As cartilage erodes, bone ends may rub directly against each other, causing increased pain and swelling. Over time, joints can become deformed, misaligned, and experience reduced range of motion, leading to loss of gripping ability or mobility. This severely impacts a patient's capacity for work and overall quality of life.
Cardiovascular disease
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease because man tinh inflammation promotes atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also be associated with pericarditis, myocarditis, or heart failure. Some cases exhibit no clear symptoms in the early stages and are only detected when severe cardiovascular complications have already emerged. This makes treatment more challenging and increases the risk of mortality.
Interstitial lung disease
Persistent inflammation can damage lung parenchyma, leading to interstitial lung disease (ILD). Symptoms include a prolonged dry cough, shortness of breath during exertion, and a feeling of breathlessness when climbing stairs or engaging in physical activity. As the disease progresses, lung tissue can undergo fibrosis, impairing oxygen exchange and significantly affecting daily life.
Rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease is a serious complication that can progress silently for many years before detection. Regular screening with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and respiratory function assessments helps in the early detection of this complication.
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A doctor examines a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital. |
Osteoporosis
Prolonged inflammatory reactions increase osteoclast activity while reducing bone formation. Limited movement due to joint pain, reduced sun exposure, or the long-term use of corticosteroid medications can accelerate bone density loss.
Osteoporosis makes bones brittle and prone to fractures; even minor impacts or falls can lead to fractures of the femoral neck, wrist, or vertebral compression. These events increase the risk of disability, reduce self-care capabilities, and affect a patient's lifespan.
Metabolic syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to metabolic syndrome, which includes hypertension, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Prolonged systemic inflammation can alter energy metabolism and increase insulin resistance. Patients not only contend with joint damage but also face a high risk of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, reduced motor function, and early mortality if these conditions are not simultaneously managed.
Doctor Huyen advises patients with rheumatoid arthritis to adhere to their specialized treatment regimen and avoid self-medicating or switching to unverified remedies. Regular follow-up appointments, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and appropriate exercise are also crucial.
Thanh Long
