Arthritis Mortality Rates
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, and can limit a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. While arthritis is not a life-threatening condition, it can lead to long-term disability and even death in some cases.
When it comes to the number of deaths caused by arthritis, there is no definitive answer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not track deaths specifically due to arthritis, but it does track deaths due to underlying conditions that can be attributed to arthritis. These conditions include heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
According to the CDC, in 2018, a total of 2,813,503 people died in the United States from all causes. Of those deaths, 611,105 were attributed to heart disease, and stroke and cancer each accounted for approximately 160,000 deaths. While the exact number of deaths due to arthritis is unknown, it is likely that a significant number of the deaths attributed to these underlying conditions were due to complications related to arthritis.
Risk Factors for Arthritis-Related Mortality
There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk of death due to complications related to arthritis, including age, gender, and underlying health conditions. Older adults are more likely to die from complications related to arthritis due to their increased risk of other health conditions. Women are also more likely to die from complications related to arthritis than men.
In addition, people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are more likely to experience complications from arthritis, which can increase their risk of death.
Preventing Arthritis-Related Mortality
The best way to prevent death from complications related to arthritis is to manage the condition and its symptoms. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking medications as prescribed by a doctor. It is also important to keep track of any changes in symptoms and visit a doctor regularly to monitor the condition.
By following these steps, people with arthritis can reduce their risk of death from complications related to the condition.