The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has introduced three new cardiovascular risk management modules to its SMILE‑RA e‑learning programme this February.
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)—around 1.5 times that of the general population—yet screening and management of these risks remain inconsistent across the UK.
Although guidelines such as NICE NG100 highlight the importance of regular cardiovascular checks for people with RA, many individuals still have undiagnosed or poorly managed risk factors. International audits show this is a widespread issue, regardless of healthcare system, and contributes to the persistently elevated CVD risk seen in RA.
To address this gap, NRAS has collaborated with leading experts—Professor George Kitas, Dr Elena Nikiphorou and nutritional therapist Emma‑Jayne Adams—to create a comprehensive, video‑based learning resource.
The 3 modules are:
- RA and Heart Disease: What Is the Association?
- RA and Heart Disease: Managing Your Risk Factors
- RA and Heart Disease: Diet, Nutrition and Exercise
Freely available to all users, the new modules reinforce NRAS’s commitment to empowering people with RA through accessible, evidence‑based education that supports long‑term health and self‑management.
Visit nras.org.uk/smile for more information.