7 Arthritis Symptoms to Never Ignore

2. Chest Pains

Although you may be used to discomfort and pain, chest pain is an entirely different beast. There's a condition related to rheumatoid arthritis, known as costochondritis. This is caused by inflammation, which is often mistaken for a possible heart attack. In many cases, this pain is harmless, however, you should never ignore any chest pains or concerns regarding your heart.

Arthritis can most certainly influence heart failure, especially due to the ways in which inflammation impacts blood vessels. As vessels narrow and form plaque, this increases one's risk of a heart attack or stroke. Since there's a clear connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, please see a doctor if you're concerned.