Is there a connection between carotid artery calcification, vascular problems, and rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, there is a real connection. The chronic inflammation that comes with RA can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of a condition called arteriosclerosis — where arteries thicken and harden due to Show Full Answer
Is there a connection between carotid artery calcification, vascular problems, and rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, there is a real connection. The chronic inflammation that comes with RA can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of a condition called arteriosclerosis — where arteries thicken and harden due to plaque buildup, including in vessels like the carotid arteries.
This narrowing restricts blood flow and can raise the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
People with RA develop coronary artery disease at up to twice the average rate, largely because of this ongoing inflammatory process. The key driver is inflammation. When RA is active, the immune system releases inflammatory molecules that attack not just joints, but also blood vessels throughout the body.
Keeping RA well-controlled — meaning minimal joint swelling and stiffness — is one of the most important ways to reduce vascular risk. Lifestyle factors also matter, including:
- Not smoking
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Staying as active as possible
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Taking fewer NSAIDs where possible
It's worth talking to both a rheumatologist and a primary care doctor about cardiovascular screening, as coordinated care between the two is strongly recommended for people with RA.
June 8
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