House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution on rheumatoid arthritis
Seeks to raise awareness of dangers, connection to heart disease
Allegheny County Delegation February 3, 2020 | 3:41 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The House today unanimously adopted a resolution to increase public awareness about the dangers of rheumatoid arthritis, according to its sponsor, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny.
Matzie said he introduced H.R. 655 – designating Feb. 2, 2020, as “Rheumatoid Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania – to shed light on RA’s potentially devastating impacts, which can include damage to joint and organ tissue, heart disease and a reduced lifespan.
“Well over a million Americans – including my own father – are currently living with RA,” Matzie said. “In addition to joint pain, fevers and stiffness, this progressive, inflammatory disease can wreak havoc on the body’s immune system and lead to problems with the eyes, heart, lungs, blood, nerves and other body organs and systems.
“Although the disease can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic those of other diseases, early detection is critical because starting a patient on medication during an early ‘window of opportunity’ can lessen the disease’s adverse effects and even bring remission in some cases. That’s especially important because RA can affect a patient’s heart.”
Matzie said that each year, Rheumatoid Awareness Day is planned to coincide with the start of American Heart Month to emphasize the disorder’s connection to heart disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients with RA have a 50% higher risk of heart attacks, twice the risk of heart failure and an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease compared to people without the disease. Moreover, patients are twice as likely to experience silent heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths.
Matzie said that he encourages anyone who suffers any of the hallmark signs – including fatigue; fever; weight loss; and swollen, warm or tender joints or joint stiffness – to visit their doctor.