Risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes slow and progressive degeneration of joint tissues. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known, although there are certain determining factors that can increase the risk of having this disease.

For example, more women than men suffer from RA so gender is a risk factor. In addition, as age increases, the chances of developing this pathology also increase.

Even though rheumatoid arthritis is not considered a hereditary disease, there does exist an increased risk if there is a family history of the illness.