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Oral Surgery · single question

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with which serious CARDIOVASCULAR complication?

  1. Arrhythmias
  2. Increased risk of myocardial infarction (systemic inflammation accelerates atherosclerosis)
  3. Aortic dissection
  4. Mitral valve stenosis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Increased risk of myocardial infarction (systemic inflammation accelerates atherosclerosis)

  • A. Arrhythmias are a complication of various cardiac diseases but not specifically of RA.
  • B. Correct. Rheumatoid arthritis significantly INCREASES the risk of MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION and cardiovascular disease. The mechanism: chronic systemic inflammation (elevated TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, CRP) accelerates ATHEROSCLEROSIS. RA patients have 50-60% higher cardiovascular mortality than the general population. Medications used for RA (methotrexate, biologics like adalimumab) actually reduce cardiovascular risk by controlling inflammation.
  • C. Aortic dissection is primarily associated with hypertension and connective tissue disorders — not RA specifically.
  • D. Mitral valve stenosis is a complication of rheumatic fever (Group A Strep) — not RA.

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