Cardiovascular Disease & Arthritis

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with arthritis. Yet, many are not aware of the connection.

Patients are at the highest risk for heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the legs and lungs in the first year after diagnosis, when inflammation is also at its peak. Arthritis is most often diagnosed between ages 30 and 45. People do not usually worry, or even think, about cardiovascular disease at this age, so awareness is very important.

Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research to understand risk levels across different types of arthritis and to identify ways to prevent or decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease.