Does Arthritis affect your Heart?

It is a common notion that arthritis is a joint disorder where a joint in the body becomes swollen and painful. In India alone, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis with almost 180 million adults getting affected by it. But did you know that other parts of your body, especially the heart, can also get affected by this bone disorder?

Among the different types of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), gout, lupus and psoriatic arthritis affect your heart. Mainly, rheumatoid arthritis heart palpitations and arthritis of the heart muscle double the risk of heart disease, which could lead to heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure and heart failure.

Tips to keep osteoarthritis heart disease at bay

1. Eat smart

A study conducted in 2003 says that a diet including fruits, vegetables, antioxidants and healthy fats such as olive oil, will reduce inflammation and will promote better physical function in people. And foods containing sodium, saturated fats, trans-fats, cholesterol, and sugar should be avoided. Following this diet regime will be beneficial for arthritis of the heart wall.

2. Exercise for your heart

A physical activity which can increase your heart rate is essential for a healthy heart. If you struggle to stay motivated to exercise, you can opt for low impact exercises like water therapy, yoga, strength training and walking, which can be in a milder tone.

3. Include fish oil in your diet

Adding 1,000 milligrams of fish oil in your diet for two to three times a day will have a better effect on reducing inflammation. You can either take readily available supplements or you can opt for eating fish which is rich in omega-3 fats. It is always advised to avoid saturated fats which are found in meat and high-fat dairy products because it can increase inflammation.

4. Keep a check on cholesterol and blood pressure

In order to control heart pain due to this condition, it is very important that one should keep a vigilant watch on cholesterol and blood pressure. You can start by having a healthy diet and then progress to lipid-lowering drugs. Knowing your numbers is one of the best ways to know your heart!

5. Quit Smoking habits

A recent study has found that people with RA tend to have more active diseases compared to people who don’t. Smoking triggers the immune system’s reactions and can be hazardous for people with the condition. Mainly, heavy smokers have an increased risk of developing it.

It is essential to maintain a healthy heart with arthritis and with the tips mentioned, you can keep a check on your heart. Apollo Spectra Multispeciality Hospitals offers the best state-of-the-art facility and advanced technology. Our experts come with a combined experience of over 40 years and will ensure that both your heart and your condition are well-tended to.

Strong bones, stronger heart!