Rheumatoid Arthritis

To make a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, your healthcare provider may refer you to a doctor who specializes in arthritis (rheumatologist). Rheumatologists diagnose people with RA based on a combination of several factors. They’ll do a physical exam and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. Your rheumatologist will also order blood tests and imaging tests.

The blood tests look for inflammation and blood proteins (antibodies) that are signs of rheumatoid arthritis. These may include:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or “sed rate”)
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies
Cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies

Your rheumatologist may order imaging tests to look for signs that your joints are wearing away. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the ends of the bones within your joints to wear down. The imaging tests may include:

X-rays
Ultrasounds
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

In some cases, your provider may watch how you do over time before making a definitive diagnosis of RA.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.