How does arthritis affect the circulatory system?

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have a collection of fluid between the pericardium and the heart itself, but not all will have clinical symptoms from it. Many times of pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart) usually develop during flares, or periods of heightened disease. Persistent pericarditis can lead to thickening and tightening of the membrane, which can interfere with the heart's ability to work properly. Also due to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammation puts people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Recent research shows that people with RA have an increased risk of having a heart attack that is about the same as for people with type 2 diabetes. Having RA also increases risk of stroke. The inflammatory process that affects the lining of the heart can similarly affect the membrane lining the lungs, leading to pleuritis and fluid collection. RA treatments can affect the lungs, as well. For example, one of the most commonly used RA treatments, methotrexate, can potentially cause lung problems, following with shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Symptoms tend to improve when methotrexate is stopped. Rheumatoid arthritis is the main cause that affects the circulatory system.