Stroke risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients: exploring connections and implications for patient care

Ola A Al-Ewaidat; Moawiah M Naffaa

doi:10.1007/s10238-023-01288-7

Stroke risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients: exploring connections and implications for patient care

Clin Exp Med. 2024 Jan 31;24(1):30. doi: 10.1007/s10238-023-01288-7.

Authors

Ola A Al-Ewaidat¹, Moawiah M Naffaa^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL, 60202, USA.
² Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA. Moawiah.naffaa@duke.edu.
³ Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. Moawiah.naffaa@duke.edu.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can independently increase the risk of stroke, affecting both young and adult RA patients. Recent attention has been drawn to the association between stroke and RA, supported by mounting evidence. Given that stroke is a significant and an urgent public health concern, this review aims to highlight the relationship between stroke and RA, covering mechanisms, underlying risk factors, early detection tools, and treatment implications. By uncovering the connection that links RA to stroke, we can pave the way for targeted healthcare practices and the development of preventive strategies for individuals with RA. Therefore, further research is imperative to deepen our understanding of this association and, ideally, guide treatment decisions for individuals at risk of both RA and stroke.

Keywords: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP2) test; Cardiovascular disease (CVD); Chronic inflammation; Multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA); Rheumatoid arthritis (RA); Rheumatoid factor (RF); Stroke.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Arthritis, Rheumatoid* / complications
Arthritis, Rheumatoid* / epidemiology
Humans
Patient Care
Risk Factors
Stroke* / epidemiology
Stroke* / etiology