Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
426
Rheumatoid arthritis is a preventable disease: 11 ways to reduce your patients' risk
Louise Koller-Smith1,2, Ahmed M Mehdi1, Lyn March3
1UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Internal Medicine Journal
|September 23, 2021
Summary
Up to 40% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases stem from modifiable factors. Early identification of high-risk individuals allows for lifestyle counseling to potentially prevent RA development.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant morbidity.
- Emerging evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of RA cases are linked to modifiable environmental and lifestyle factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on modifiable risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- To provide primary care providers with actionable recommendations for RA risk reduction counseling.
Main Methods:
- This narrative review synthesizes evidence linking modifiable factors to RA risk.
- Identifies 11 specific lifestyle and environmental modifications supported by current research.
Main Results:
- Up to 40% of RA cases may be attributable to modifiable exposures.
- Risk stratification for pre-RA is possible using family history, risk factors, autoantibodies, and symptoms.
- Interventions focused on risk factor modification can lead to positive behavioral changes.
Conclusions:
- Primary care providers can counsel at-risk individuals on 11 evidence-based RA risk-reduction strategies.
- Lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation, weight management, and dietary changes are key.
- Early intervention and risk factor modification hold potential for RA prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
62
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
62
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
67
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
67
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
67
AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
67
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
14.7K
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
14.7K
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
102
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
102
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
122
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
122