Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that can significantly affect the cardiovascular system. Researchers from Taiwan and China conducted a study to explore the cardiovascular benefits of acupuncture for RA patients.

Study Findings

The study, published in BMJ Open, analyzed data from Taiwan’s Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patients Database. It included 23,226 RA patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2010, with 12,266 receiving an average of 10 acupuncture treatments over three years. Results showed a 43% reduced risk of stroke among those who underwent acupuncture. Of the more than 900 participants who experienced a stroke, 341 were from the acupuncture group.

Acupuncture and RA

Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific body points to relieve pain. The NIH explains that it inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes anti-inflammatory factors, potentially reducing cardiovascular risks linked to RA. In addition to pain relief from RA, acupuncture can also treat other types of pain, mood disorders, nausea, and fibromyalgia.

Implications and Expert Opinions

Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a cardiologist, highlighted the link between chronic RA inflammation and increased cardiovascular disease risk. He explained that RA's chronic inflammation extends beyond the joints, affecting blood vessels and promoting atherosclerosis, leading to narrowed arteries and increased susceptibility to heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Tadwalkar found the study's findings intriguing, suggesting acupuncture could have a broader health impact for RA patients.

“These results warrant further study to investigate whether acupuncture may be beneficial for reducing stroke in a wider population,” said Dr. Chen.