Ankylosing spondylitis and heart disease
If you have AS you have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease when you become older. (Cardiovascular disease refers to narrowing of the arteries by a fatty substance called atheroma. This may eventually lead to angina, heart attack or stroke). It is not clear why the risk is increased in people with AS. It may be that the chronic (persistent) inflammatory nature of the condition is partially responsible. Therefore, you should consider doing what you can to reduce the risk of heart disease by other means.
For example, if possible:
* Eat a good healthy diet.
* Exercise regularly.
* Lose weight if you are overweight.
* Do not smoke.
* If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a high cholesterol level, they should be well controlled on treatment.
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