Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation of the joints. It most commonly affects the hands but can affect other parts of the body as well.
RA is more common in women than men and in those over the age of 65 years.
Increased mortality is a concern for those with related complications and coexisting medical conditions such as infections and cardiovascular disease (CV).