When people think about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they often picture it as a “women’s disease.” But here’s the reality: up to one-third of RA patients are men. 💡 While the biology of RA—joint pain, swelling, and inflammation—is the same in men and women, the experience can be very different.
For starters, men may not recognize the severity of their symptoms as early as women. Sometimes, greater muscle mass can mask inflammation, making it harder for men to notice how much joint damage is happening beneath the surface. Add to that the common misconception that arthritis doesn’t happen to men, and many delay seeking help until the symptoms are unbearable.
If you’re a man experiencing joint pain, morning stiffness, or fatigue, don’t ignore it. Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t discriminate, and the sooner you get a diagnosis and start treatment, the better you can protect your health.
RA and Heart Disease
Here’s something not everyone knows: RA inflammation can silently damage more than just your joints—it can harm your heart and lungs, too.
Men with RA are at an even higher risk for cardiovascular disease than women. This is partly because men tend to have more traditional risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoking. But RA itself is a risk factor for heart disease, raising inflammation levels in your blood vessels and increasing the likelihood of complications like heart attacks or strokes.
On top of that, RA is linked to interstitial lung disease (ILD), a condition that can cause breathlessness and lung scarring. Men with RA face a higher likelihood of developing this serious complication, which makes managing inflammation even more critical.
By staying on top of your RA treatment, keeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol, and quitting smoking, you can reduce these risks and protect your long-term health.
Managing RA as a Man
Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just affect your physical health—it can challenge your sense of identity, too. Many men associate their masculinity with strength and the ability to provide for their families. But RA can change how you feel about your body and your capabilities, especially if joint pain or fatigue impacts your ability to work or stay active.
If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Acknowledging how RA affects your mental health is just as important as treating the physical symptoms. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have, whether it’s how to keep working with RA or ways to prevent burnout. Just saying, “Can we talk about how my job might be affected by RA?” can open up the conversation and lead to solutions tailored for you.
Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. Managing stress, sticking to a treatment plan, and incorporating healthy habits like regular exercise and an anti-inflammatory diet can help you stay strong and live fully, despite RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis in men comes with unique challenges, from delayed diagnosis to higher risks for heart and lung disease. But with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, you can protect your health, stay active, and thrive.
