Various kinds of citrullinated proteins have been detected in the joints of RA patients.

What happens: Up to 10% of RA patients develop serious lung problems.

The data shown were obtained from 14 RA patients (age range 29-78 years).

Stroke is another concern for RA patients.

In addition, some RA patients take methotrexate to slow disease progression.

A 2006 study in Rheumatology looked at 58 RA patients over a five-week period.

RA patients are also at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, and fish oil is thought to be good for the heart too.

The hands of RA patients can become severely deformed.

Some RA patients find relief in the following: moist heat, relaxation remedies, and acupuncture.

As of June 2000, the database contained information on 1763 RA patients, 1495 of whom were still alive.