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## Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by **inflammation of the joints**. It most commonly affects the hands but can affect other parts of the body as well.

RA is **more common in women** than men and in those **over the age of 65 years.**

**Increased mortality** is a concern for those with related complications and coexisting medical conditions such as infections and cardiovascular disease (CV).

![rheumatoid arthritis cost to care sapience financial](https://mail.finallysorted.com.au/images/cost-to-care/rheumatoid-arthritis-cost-to-care-sapience-financial.svg)