Risk of heart disease in arthritis patients

Women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are deficient in vitamin B6 and have high levels of homocysteine, (an amino acid) predisposing them to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. The symptom of pain, swelling, or stiffness with limitation of joint movement is called arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the stiffness and limitation of joint movement is especially worse for prolonged periods especially in the mornings. Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at risk for early death from cardiovascular disease. Though the reason for this risk is still unclear, there is evidence that traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol levels, are no more common in arthritis patients than in healthy individuals. To assess the relation between vitamin B6 levels and homocysteine in older women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, American researchers studied 18 patients and 33 healthy subjects. These participants were not using B-vitamin supplements. Fasting blood samples were measured for pyridoxal phosphate, folate, red blood cell folate, vitamin B-12, transcobalamin II, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and lipid concentrations. The participants completed 7-day weighed food records, the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire, and a visual analogue pain scale. The results showed that dietary levels of B vitamins are not decreased rheumatoid arthritis patients, yet they show a deficit of vitamin B6. Consistent with this finding, rheumatoid arthritis patients also had increased levels of homocysteine. Thus, rheumatoid arthritis patients may need to get more B vitamins through diet, supplements, or fortified foods, to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.