Autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and systemic sclerosis have long been famous for their creation of chronic inflammation and joint devastation, but new evidence is surfacing that these diseases are subtly damaging the heart—particularly among women. The study, reported in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, estimated that women who have these disorders are at 50% higher risk of heart disease-related death than men. Although progress has been made in treating autoimmune diseases, the cardiovascular dangers they pose—especially to women—are underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Autoimmune illnesses are much more common in women. Almost twice to three times as many women have RA compared to men, and with lupus, it is nine times as many. Systemic sclerosis, characterized by tightening of the skin and possible damage to internal organs, also occurs more often in women.

The higher cardiovascular death rate in women with these diseases is not just a statistical coincidence. Dr. Heba Wassif, Director of Cardio-Rheumatology at Cleveland Clinic and senior author of the study, highlights that the burden of cardiovascular disease in immune-mediated inflammatory conditions is both substantial and disproportionately impacts women. This prompts important questions about how autoimmune-driven inflammation specifically affects women's cardiovascular health—and why their risks have been so historically underestimated.

In perhaps the most thorough analysis yet, scientists sifted through data on over 281,000 deaths attributed to RA, lupus, and systemic sclerosis between 1999 and 2020. More than 127,000 of those were from heart complications.

While overall mortality rates for heart disease fell—from 3.9 to 2.1 per 100,000 among women and from 1.7 to 1.2 among men—the gap between men and women narrowed only slightly: women continued to die from heart disease at disproportionately higher rates.

Even more alarming, stroke and blocked arteries (atherosclerosis) became the leading killers of women, along with the stark rate of deaths due to irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest—over twice that of men.

How Autoimmune Inflammation Damages the Heart?

Autoimmune diseases induce the body to mistakenly attack its own tissues. In RA, the immune system assaults the synovium—the joint lining—leading to swelling, pain, and inflammation. But this inflammation does not end here. It can spread to essential organs, such as the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Chronic inflammation promotes the formation of plaque in arteries, damages the linings of blood vessels, and accelerates atherosclerosis—a key risk factor for heart attack and stroke. In addition, the systemic inflammation can provoke arrhythmias and worsen heart failure.

The same medications that treat autoimmune diseases—like corticosteroids and certain immunosuppressants—can also increase cardiovascular risks indirectly by elevating blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels if not monitored carefully.

How Heart Diseases have Become a Leading Killer in Autoimmune Patients?

Dr. Issam Motairek, lead author of the study, points to a dramatic change in the perception of mortality among autoimmune patients. "There is a general belief that individuals with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases die mostly from infections or kidney disease," he said. "But our study found that one-third of deaths in this group were caused by cardiovascular disease."

This change points to an urgent necessity to rephrase the way we perceive autoimmune conditions—not only as musculoskeletal or cutaneous problems, but as inflammatory disorders of the whole body with lethal cardiovascular ramifications.

Ways to Control Autoimmune Flares to Keep Your Heart Safe

Most of this cardiovascular danger can be avoided. Here is the way in which women suffering from autoimmune disorders can actively shield their heart:

Early and recurrent cardiovascular screening – At the diagnosis of autoimmune disease, screening should be done by Dr. Wassif and then on a regular basis thereafter. This will include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and inflammation markers.

Aggressive inflammation control – Treatment of RA or lupus early and effectively not only benefits the joints but also curtails systemic inflammation that can harm the heart.

Lifestyle interventions – Exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress reduction, and smoking cessation are even more crucial in this group. Exercise may be difficult during flare-ups, but low-impact exercise such as walking or yoga can be helpful.

Weight control – Achy joints and fatigue can reduce mobility, promoting weight gain. But obesity itself is a principal cause of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease—each of which multiplies the risks for autoimmune patients.

Collaborative working with healthcare providers – Rheumatologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians must work in concert. An expert cardio-rheumatology team, such as at premier institutions like Cleveland Clinic, can provide individualized care.

Of all autoimmune conditions researched, rheumatoid arthritis carried the greatest risk of cardiovascular mortality. RA not only inflames joints—it can also cause damage to heart valves, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer layer of the heart). In addition, RA is frequently accompanied by fatigue, low-grade fever, and decreased activity—all of which can conceal or exacerbate heart disease.

This seminal study should be an eye-opener for both patients and clinicians. It reinforces the need not to brush off symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue in women with autoimmune diseases. It also highlights the imperative of greater gender-specific research and an overarching, preventive approach to autoimmune diseases—not merely for joint well-being, but for survival.

If you’re a woman living with an autoimmune inflammatory disease, protecting your heart isn't optional—it’s essential. Don’t wait for a cardiac symptom to speak up. Be your own advocate, and demand comprehensive cardiovascular care. Early detection, effective inflammation control, and lifestyle support can go a long way in reducing your risk—and adding years to your life.

When Stacie Golebiowski went for her 36-week ultrasound last summer, she knew her baby would be big, but no one was truly ready for just how big. On July 4, 2024, at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), Stacie gave birth to her son, Grayson, who weighed a surprising 15 pounds and 10 ounces. This was such an unusual size that it caused a first-ever problem for the hospital staff when trying to record his weight.

System Limitations Of Dealing With Above Average Baby Weight

Laura Ferris, who helps manage women and children's services at the hospital, explained that when Grayson was born, the nurses found his weight was too high for the Ontario registry system. They actually had to call the registry, which then had to manually update their records – something that had never happened before.

Now, as Grayson gets close to his first birthday, he's doing great. Stacie shared that there were difficulties and unknowns with Grayson at the start, even for the doctors and nurses. But they got through it all, and he's "doing amazing."

The family hopes their story can help other parents who have unusually large babies. Stacie mentioned feeling like she might have done something wrong, but she emphasized that it's important for parents to understand that it's just what their body does and it's not their fault. According to BORN Ontario, Grayson's birth weight puts him in the top 0.01 percent of all babies born in the province.

Concerns Regarding High Birth Weight

According to MedlinePlus, when babies are born larger than average, it's called having a high birth weight. While every baby is a blessing, being very big can sometimes come with a few challenges. For example, it can make the delivery more difficult for both the baby and the mother, and there might be a higher chance of minor injuries during birth. After birth, bigger babies might also face some specific health issues like,

Blood Sugar Issues

Their bodies might have trouble keeping their blood sugar levels steady, which needs to be watched closely by doctors.

Breathing Problems

Sometimes, these babies can have trouble with their breathing, requiring extra care.

Jaundice

This is a common condition that causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes because of too much bilirubin in the blood. While many babies get jaundice, those with a high birth weight might be more prone to it or have a more noticeable case.

Risks Associated with Higher Birth Weights

The Standford Medicine Children’s Health points out that many large babies are born to mothers with diabetes. They also list the risks that are associated with high birth weight,

• A long labor.
• A difficult birth.
• Injuries to the baby, such as a broken collarbone or nerve damage in the arm.
• A greater chance of needing a C-section.
• Higher risk of birth defects.

Does High Birth Weight Cause Health Issue?

According to a 2021 study published in the Frontiers in Pediatrics journal, more and more children are being born with high birth weight or are considered "large for gestational age" (LGA). This is happening even more with babies conceived through certain fertility treatments like frozen embryo transfer (FET). While we know a lot about the short-term risks for these babies, less is known about their health in the long run.

A 2021 study looked at the connection between high birth weight and long-term health in children. After reviewing many studies, it found that being born with a high birth weight or LGA was linked to a slightly higher risk for certain cancers in childhood (including breast cancer), some mental health conditions, high blood pressure in childhood, and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The season is again transitioning, from spring to summers and some areas are also seeing early monsoons. This is also the allergy season in the US, and thanks to global warming, it has begun earlier. This has caused 25% of adults and 20% of children to experience seasonal allergies. While almost everywhere in America seasonal allergies are going on, there are certain regions where cases are more. You may be more prone to catching diseases. A recent 2025 report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the 100 most populous metropolitan areas in the contiguous United States based on tree, grass, and weed pollen counts. The data also accounts for number of allergy specialists and estimates of over-the-counter sinus and allergy medication usage.

Each city was scored based on the three factors, and the scores would top out of 100.00 for the worst city for allergies to 45.29 for the best.

Each metropolitan area was also rated as “worse than average,” “average,” or “better than average” based on its levels of tree, grass, and weed pollen. Similar ratings were given for medication usage and access to allergy specialists.

10 Worst US Cities To Live In During Seasonal Allergies

10. At number 10 is Greensboro, North Carolina with a score of 82.08. The pollen rating for this region is worse than average.

9. At number 9 is Greenville, South Carolina with a score of 82.74, and rating worse than average.

8. Next up is Richmond in Virginia, with a score of 82.80. Rating for this too is worse than average.

7. The rating for all is worse than average, and on number 7 is Raleigh, North Carolina, with scoring of 82.87.

6. Little Rock in Arkansas scored 82.94.

5. Memphis in Tennessee scored 83.50.

4. At number 4 is Tulsa in Oklahoma with allergy score of 84.16.

3. For the top 3, we again have Oklahoma with Oklahoma City with allergy score of 86.05.

2. Top 2 is New Orleans in Louisiana, scoring 86.81.

1. For top 1, Wichita in Kansas has scored an allergy score of 100.00.

What Are The Common Allergy Triggers For US?

As per the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, in many parts of the United States, spring allergies kick off as early as February and can last through early summer. Tree pollen is typically the first to appear, followed by grass pollen later in the season, and then ragweed, which dominates in late summer and fall. In tropical regions, grass pollen can linger for much of the year. Warmer winter temperatures may trigger early pollination, while a rainy spring often leads to fast plant growth and a spike in mold—prolonging allergy symptoms well into the fall.

Ragweed: The Top Fall Allergen

Ragweed is the most common cause of fall allergies. It grows wild across the U.S., especially along the East Coast and throughout the Midwest. Ragweed typically starts releasing pollen in August and continues through November, with levels peaking in early to mid-September in many regions.

Other Plants That Trigger Fall Allergies

• Burning bush
• Cocklebur
• Lamb’s-quarters
• Pigweed
• Sagebrush and mugwort
• Tumbleweed and Russian thistle

What Affects Allergy Severity

The intensity and timing of allergy seasons can vary by location, but several climate-related factors play a role in how severe your symptoms may be:

• Tree, grass, and ragweed pollens flourish in cool nights and warm days.
• Mold thrives in hot, humid conditions.
• Pollen counts are usually highest in the morning.
• Rain can wash away pollen, but levels often rise quickly once it stops.
• Calm, windless days keep allergens low to the ground.
• Warm, windy days cause pollen counts to spike.

"My sister has passed away as a direct consequence of my mum's actions and beliefs and I don't want anyone else to go through the same pain or loss that I have," said Sebastian, son of anti-vaxxer and a British conspiracy theorist Kate Shemirani, whose daughter passed away from cancer at the age of 23.

Sebastian blames his mother and her beliefs to have influencing his sister into not taking proper cancer treatment. Kate, now an anti-vaccine activist and former nurse, had lost her license to practise in 2020 for misconduct and is best known for promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccinations and 5G technology.

Her daughter, Paloma Shemirani passed away last July from a type of blood cancer when she was only 23. As per her brother's claim, it is the mother who is to be blamed. However, Kate and her husband wrote to the BBC, claiming that they have evidence against the NHS for her daughter's death. The BBC reports: "'Paloma died as a result of medical interventions given without confirmed diagnosis or lawful consent'. The BBC has seen no evidence to substantiate these claims."

Her brothers, Gabriel and Sebastian, allege that Paloma ultimately declined conventional chemotherapy—despite doctors giving her an 80% chance of survival—due to pressure from their mother, with whom she was trying to rebuild a strained relationship.

They further claim their mother deliberately isolated Paloma from her friends, boyfriend, and extended family, even as her cancer visibly worsened. Paloma, a Cambridge graduate who once celebrated top exam results with a bright smile, had dreamed of a career in publishing.

But her life, her brothers say, was tragically cut short under the undue influence of their mother, who gained notoriety during the pandemic.

What Happened To Paloma?

In 2023, when Paloma was diagnosed with cancer, doctors informed her she had an 80% chance of recovery if she underwent chemotherapy. But her mother, as reported by the Daily Mail, strongly opposed the treatment.

In a message sent in all capital letters to Paloma’s boyfriend, she warned: “TELL PALOMA NOT TO SIGN IR (sic) VERBALLY CONSENT TO CHEMO OR ANY TREATMENT.”

Despite medical advice and growing concerns about her mother’s influence, Paloma declined chemotherapy. Instead, she turned to one of Kate’s former partners, who encouraged her to consider Gerson therapy — a debunked alternative treatment that promotes a strict plant-based diet and coffee enemas as a cure for cancer, which Kate, too, has claimed, helped in curing her breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK states there is “no scientific evidence” supporting Gerson therapy as an effective cancer treatment. The charity notes that while some people turn to it in search of control over their illness, no credible clinical studies support its use, and existing research is often biased or funded by pro-alternative medicine groups.

Kate’s former partner told the BBC that “any assertions that I played a role in her death are legally inaccurate.”

As Paloma pursued this alternative path, friends began to notice her condition deteriorating, as reported in the Daily Mail. New lumps were appearing, and her cancer was visibly spreading. She reportedly distanced herself from anyone who questioned her treatment decisions.

Her school friend Chantelle shared, “I don’t think her ideology was strong enough to make those decisions. People have different opinions, but I believe her mum played a massive, massive role in it.”

Gabriel, one of Paloma’s brothers, attempted to visit her but was told she couldn’t go outside due to “bad air.” He initiated legal proceedings to have her properly medically evaluated, but the case never moved forward. Paloma died in July 2024 after suffering a heart attack caused by her tumour. She was taken off life support after several days in the hospital.

Gabriel only learned of her death days later through his lawyer and had to inform their brother, Sebastian.

An inquest into Paloma’s death is scheduled to begin next month.

Who Is Kate?

Now 60, she calls herself a 'natural nurse', even though she has been banned from practising nursing in the UK. She also made headlines during the pandemic when she used her social media account to claim that COVID-19 vaccines had a 'tiny bit of Satan' inside, and claims like the jabs caused cancer and contained material harvested from aborted fetuses.

She also claimed that the COVID-19 virus was connected to the rollout of 5G technology and described it as a political tool designed to alter people’s DNA. She compared lockdowns to the Holocaust, declared that NHS nurses seen dancing would one day “stand trial for genocide,” and labelled vaccination teams as “death squads.”

As of now, she has not commented on her sons' claims.

Cancer, Cause And Cure, And Unscientific Claims

Sebastian has previously described his childhood as “hell,” claiming he was subjected to years of brainwashing. He recalled being terrified at age 10 when Shemirani told him that "the Rothschilds plan to live on a space station" and that a mass genocide was imminent.

In 2012, Kate was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery, including a double mastectomy and reconstruction. However, online she attributed her recovery not to medical treatment, but to ‘Gerson therapy’—a debunked alternative approach promoting a strict plant-based diet, alongside vitamin and mistletoe injections.

"I'm still here and thriving. You can shove your poison mustard gas where the sun doesn't shine, you pimps and assassins," she posted on X earlier this year, referring to chemotherapy.

According to Chantelle, as reported by Daily Mail, a school friend of Paloma’s, Kate’s belief that conventional medicine had failed only deepened after her recovery. She recounted watching Paloma get sunburned because she refused to wear sunscreen, believing it—not sun exposure—caused cancer.

While Gabriel and Sebastian are now estranged from their mother, Paloma maintained contact, seemingly in an effort to repair their relationship. Like her mother, she also declined the COVID-19 vaccine.