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We are excited to announce that Dr. Padma R. Chimata has been elected as the 2026 President of the Harris County Medical Society West Branch!
About 1.5 million adults living across the United States have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the joint lining (synovium), leading to chronic pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
What many patients don’t realize is that RA also increases the risk of heart problems. In fact, studies show that over 40% of people with RA experience cardiovascular issues, such as heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
These statistics can be frightening, but heart problems aren’t necessarily inevitable. Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help protect your heart and prevent RA from worsening.
At Katy Rheumatology & Associates in Katy, Texas, double-board-certified rheumatologist Padma Chimata, MD, FACP, AGS, and our caring team specialize in RA treatment. Read on to discover three easy ways you can protect your heart when living with rheumatoid arthritis.
RA causes systemic inflammation throughout the body. Over time, that inflammation can weaken blood vessels, affect circulation to your heart, and contribute to bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Working with a qualified rheumatology specialist, like Dr. Chimata, can help lower these risks.
She can optimize your medication to prevent inflammation from spiking, provide guidance on anti-inflammatory nutrition, such as fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and conduct routine monitoring of your body’s inflammatory markers.
These efforts can keep your heart and joints healthy. Patients with lower inflammatory markers often report less pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life, too.
Because RA can take a toll on your heart, living a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential. The good news is that small, daily changes support this effort. We typically recommend a three-pronged approach, including regular exercise, stress management, and quitting unhealthy habits.
Since RA often causes stiff, achy joints, it’s important to choose low-impact activities, such as swimming and cycling. Similarly, stress management techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation can ease tension throughout your body and prevent blood pressure spikes.
If you smoke, quitting is crucial, as it significantly increases the risk of heart disease. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Drinking more than one glass of wine or beer at a time can increase inflammation and heart disease risk.
Many patients with RA also have cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Although these conditions can’t be cured, regular check-ups can monitor and slow their progression, helping you prevent worsening complications.
It’s important to visit your doctor at least once a year, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with any heart problems. The earlier cardiovascular risk factors are identified, the easier they are to manage.
If Dr. Chimata uncovers any issues, she can coordinate with your primary care physician and the rest of your medical team. Together, your healthcare team can manage your medications, ease uncomfortable symptoms, and help you live your best life.
RA may increase the risk of heart problems, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and hope for the best: A targeted treatment strategy can protect your mobility and your heart. Don’t wait to get screened — schedule an evaluation at Katy Rheumatology & Associates in Katy, Texas, today.
