There are more than 100 types ofarthritis.

There are many ways to reduce your risk of complications from arthritis.

Psoriasis causes patches of red, irritated skin that are often covered by flaky white scales.

woman with hand pain

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Arthritis and Life Expectancy

Five primary risk factors can help determine life expectancy with arthritis.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can potentially shorten the life expectancy of someone with arthritis.

Untreated Disease

If left untreated, inflammatory forms ofarthritiscan be seriously damaging to a persons health.

Treatment with DMARDs and other biologics can significantly reduce mortality rate among people with RA.

Seropositivity is associated with increased mortality among patients with RA compared with seronegativity.

Mortality rates were greatest in patients with higher versus lower autoantibody titers in one study.

Both conditions are considered independent cardiovascular risk factors.

Early treatment in RA has shown favorable effects on cardiovascular disease risk.

However, evidence that urate-lowering therapy has consistent beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes is still scarce.

The increased activity of these lymphocytes in RA makes them more likely to turn malignant.

Medications that affect the immune system have the potential to increase cancer risk as well.

RA patients who take methotrexate are more likely to develop lymphoma if they also have theEpstein-Barr virus.

People with gout are at an increased risk of urological cancers, digestive system cancers, and lung cancer.

Organ Damage

RA, gout, and PsA can all affect multiple organs and cause systemic effects.

Other Infections

The risk for infection is increased in people who take immunosuppressive medications.

If you have symptoms of arthritis or feel that your symptoms are out of control, do not worry.

You are not alone, and there are many resources to help you cope with your condition.

The best thing you’ve got the option to do is ask for help.

Ask your loved ones for support or consider joining a support group.

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