Heart disease is the highest cause of death for people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to "Arthritis Today," a publication released by the Arthritis Foundation. There is a very real connection between arthritis, cholesterol and heart disease. Although most people should be concerned with their risk for heart disease, those with arthritis should be particularly concerned. Luckily, certain medications that are used to treat cholesterol can also help with arthritis symptoms and the risk for heart disease.
Arthritis and Heart Disease
Those who have arthritis, specifically rheumatoid arthritis, are at an increased risk for developing heart disease. According to the Harvard University Gazette, the mechanism has to do with inflammation. When you have an injury, which occurs in arthritis, your body uses its inflammation response, sending out white blood cells to the problem. The same thing occurs with the buildup of plaque on arterial walls. The occurrence of an increase in the inflammatory response that occurs with arthritis worsens atherosclerosis, or the blockage of arteries.
Cholesterol and Arthritis
Because arthritis is often considered a risk factor for heart disease in and of itself, regular screening of cholesterol is suggested for those who have been diagnosed with arthritis. High cholesterol is an independent risk factor for heart disease. The higher your blood cholesterol, the more likely you are to have a heart attack, states the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Being diagnosed with high cholesterol and arthritis means you have two risk factors for heart disease.
Physical Inactivity
There's no getting around it -- arthritis hurts. Those who have arthritis are less likely to exercise. This also increases the risk of heart disease because physical inactivity can increase your cholesterol. It is a vicious cycle -- arthritis increases your risk of heart disease and increases your chances of having high cholesterol.
Statins
If you have been diagnosed with arthritis and high cholesterol, you may want to consider speaking with your doctor about taking a statin. This is a medication prescribed to help lower cholesterol, but according to "Arthritis Today," it may also be helpful in treating arthritis. Statins lower your cholesterol by reducing your body's own production of it and by inhibiting your body's dietary absorption. Statins can also reduce your body's inflammatory response, easing the symptoms caused by arthritis. Remember though, only your doctor can decide if a statin is right for you.
