Higher Risk of Death from Heart Attack and Stroke for People with Spinal Arthritis

A study proposes that there is a direct link between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the likelihood of fatal strokes or heart attacks, when compared to the general population. The research, conducted by specialists from Toronto Western Hospital’s Spodyloarthritis Program, was published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, stating a 35-percent higher chance of death from heart attack and 60-percent increase in stroke mortality for those already diagnosed with AS. “Another additional factor to consider is that male AS patients have 82-percent higher risk of vascular mortality compared to females with AS,” said a lead researcher. “This further underscores the importance of understanding all of the additional health risks associated with AS and the need for more research to fully understand the connection between chronic inflammation and heart disease and stroke.” To learn more about this study, click here.