Researchers from Giles at New York City's Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons conducted a new study comparing 195 participants who didn't have a history of heart disease -- but did have Rheumatoid Arthritis, RA -- with more than 1,000 who did not have arthritis. The remarkable findings revealed a correlation between mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and anger to development of Atherosclerosis in the patients with RA. The results may lead to new types of mental health therapy to treat RA in the future.

The research offers new hope toward the prevention of Atherosclerosis, a disease that causes a buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen rich blood to the heart and throughout the body. According to the American Heart Association, “Atherosclerosis is a “slow, progressive disease may start in childhood. Some of the diseases that may develop as a result of atherosclerosis include coronary heart disease, angina (chest pain), carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic kidney disease."

The new study specifically noted the RA group ranked higher in anxiety and anger scores, as well as elevated symptoms of depression and stress that may increase the odds of coronary artery calcium and the risk of coronary artery disease. The RA group specifically reported elevated job stress, which has been found to elevate the risk of carotid artery plaque as well – leading to neurological disease, stroke and associated death or disability.

Coronary artery disease – the number one cause of death in America -- affects more than 15,800,000 people in the U.S. – of whom approximately 8 million have already experienced incidences of heart attack. It is predicted that atherosclerosis related coronary disease will cause 500,000 deaths this year alone, and more than one million will have a heart attack.

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