Systemic inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Systemic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, primarily affecting the joints. This leads to swelling, pain, and stiffness. However, the inflammatory response can spread throughout the body, causing issues in other organs and systems, such as the heart and lungs. Factors like cytokines, which are signaling proteins, play a key role in this process. Chronic systemic inflammation can lead to further health complications, making it important to manage RA effectively to reduce both joint damage and overall inflammation.