Decreasing mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a large population based cohort in Sweden, 1964-95.

Abstract

The elevated mortality rates in RA patients compared to the general population have decreased during the last 20 years, possibly due to an increased access to specialized rheumatology care. An excess risk for death in coronary artery disease was, however, present in RA patients, especially patients with early onset of disease.