14 Aug 2025 • An analysis of nearly 500,000 participants found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly raises the risk of certain degenerative valvular heart diseases (VHD).

Over ~14 years’ follow-up, RA was linked to higher risks of aortic stenosis (HR 1.64), aortic regurgitation (HR 1.69), and mitral regurgitation (HR 1.54), with no ties to other valve lesions. Women showed stronger associations for aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.

Findings reveal an under‐recognized cardiovascular risk in RA, supporting the need for proactive heart valve monitoring and integrated care.

Source: AHA|ASA Journals | Read Full Story