AF and Rheumatoid Arthritis

[CathieC]

My mother (now deceased) had AF for many years and the developed RA which exacerbated the AF. Can anyone with any knowledge of the subject tell me if RA is a result of AF or a natural progression to the condition or totally unrelated..

[Rellim296]

My grandmother had really terrible rheumatoid arthritis - it was very limiting when she was in her fifties and then drugs like cortisone improved her. I remember her taking 8 codeine every day for many of her latter years. She had no problems with her heart.

[BobD Volunteer]

Rheumatoid arthritis is to my understanding an immune system disease where the body attacks itself. This should not be connected in any way with AF again to my understanding. I would therefore venture that the two were unrelated as you surmise.

Bob

[Offcut]

Not sure of a link but I was diagnosed with both at the same time? As Bob says it is a chemical reaction but that could mess up the electrics? It seems a lot have reflux too, which seems to be linked to AF and lung disease?