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.

An exclusive published on tabloid Radar, on October 16, claimed that 70-year-old US President Donald Trump is 'riddled with arthritis', and may need a double hip replacement. The story has then been widely shared, however, the sources are anonymous.

Trump's mobility has become a heated topic of debate, however, his medical memos describe him as 'in exceptional health'.

What Does White House Say About Trump's Health?

White House released a formal memoranda from the physician to the President declaring routine examinations and reassuring the public that President's health is in exceptional condition. The memo is dated from April 2025 summary released by the White House and a July 2025 follow-up memorandum. The official memos detail a comprehensive physical examination of President Trump.

However, the memo do not note for orthopedic need or surgery.

Where Is The Claim Based On?

The tabloid’s report paints a sensational picture of severe arthritis and an alleged plan for double hip replacement, citing unnamed “sources” and hinting at possible cognitive issues. The story has since been picked up by several aggregator sites, spreading widely despite the absence of verified evidence.

Importantly, the publication provides no medical records, surgeon’s statement, or official hospital documentation to substantiate its claims. In the absence of such primary proof, the report remains unverified speculation.

However, as per the physical examination by the Walter Reed National Medical Center, President had no orthopedic surgery listed in his history.

White House again released statements and a semiannual physical note in October 2025, that contained results from preventive care and imagine performed. As per the results, Trump 'remains in exceptional health'.

The official documents specifically mention diagnoses like chronic venous insufficiency, a common cause of leg swelling in older adults, but make no reference to any scheduled hip surgery or confirmed cases of bilateral hip failure. While this doesn’t rule out a potential orthopedic concern, it does indicate that there is no primary, verifiable evidence from the White House or Walter Reed suggesting any planned surgical procedure.

What Is A Double Hip Replacement?

As per NIH researchers, a double hip replacement, also known as a bilateral hip replacement, is a surgical procedure where both hip joints are replaced in a single operation. This is performed when both hips are severely damaged, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The procedure can be done simultaneously (one surgery) or in stages (separate surgeries), but the simultaneous approach is often preferred as it typically has a shorter overall recovery time and lower risk of systemic complications like blood clots compared to two separate surgeries.

South Korean author Baek See-he, who courageously chronicled her struggles with mental health in the bestselling memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, passed away at the age of 35. Her death was announced by the Korea Organ Donation Agency, which revealed that Baek donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, ultimately saving five lives.

While the exact cause of her death was not disclosed, Baek’s writing had already offered readers a deeply personal glimpse into her battles with depression and anxiety. Her 2018 memoir captures dialogues with her psychiatrist over twelve weeks, combined with reflective essays that explore the cycles of self-abuse and the challenges of living with a persistent depressive disorder. Following the success of her first book, Baek published a sequel in 2019, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which delves into the ongoing journey of striving for contentment, highlighting her openness and vulnerability.

Baek’s Battle with Dysthymia

Baek openly discussed her long-standing struggle with dysthymia, a mild but persistent form of depression. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, dysthymia affects roughly 2 percent of adults worldwide. The condition is believed to have a combination of biological, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors, although no specific genes have yet been linked to it. Chronic stress and trauma are also known contributors.

Symptoms of dysthymia are generally milder than major depression but are long-lasting. They often include a consistently sad or anxious mood, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, low energy, hopelessness, changes in appetite or weight, disturbed sleep patterns, and low self-esteem. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Antidepressants can take several weeks to show full effects, and cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy helps patients manage distorted thoughts, improve relationships, and navigate stress.

A Legacy Through Organ Donation

Baek’s passing was marked not only by sorrow but also by the profound impact of her organ donation. According to reports cited by The Guardian and The Telegraph India, her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys were recovered at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in Gyeonggi Province, north of Seoul—the same hospital where she was born. Baek was declared brain-dead on October 16, and her decision to donate her organs has given five people a chance at life.

Born in 1990, Baek studied creative writing at university before working for five years in a publishing house. She shared her home with her rescue dog, Jaram, and underwent psychiatric treatment for dysthymia for over a decade. The idea for her memoir grew out of her blog posts sharing therapy notes, which drew significant positive feedback from readers.

Her memoir, published in Korea in 2018 and in the UK in 2022 by Bloomsbury, combines candid discussions with her psychiatrist with reflective essays, presenting a clear-eyed yet compassionate look at living with a chronic mental health condition. Her follow-up book, released in the UK last year, continued this narrative, exploring her ongoing journey toward self-acceptance and emotional resilience.

Writing That Resonated Worldwide

Baek’s memoir, named after her favourite Korean dish, tteokbokki—a spicy rice cake dish—struck a chord with readers, selling around 600,000 copies in Korea and over a million worldwide. Her work has been published in more than 25 countries, offering a rare, unflinching insight into mental health while inspiring empathy and understanding.

Health officials in the United States have raised alarms after confirming cases of a more severe mpox strain, known as Clade I, in California. This marks the first reported instance of this strain spreading locally, as previous US cases had all been linked to international travel.

So far, three cases have been confirmed across Southern California, including Los Angeles County and Long Beach. All patients required hospitalization but are now recovering at home. The discovery has triggered concern among health experts as Clade I mpox is known to cause more serious illness than the milder Clade II strain that led to the 2022 global outbreak.

What Is Clade I Mpox?

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox. There are two main genetic variants or clades that infect humans, Clade I and Clade II.

While Clade II was responsible for the global outbreak in 2022–23, Clade I has historically circulated in parts of central and western Africa. It is associated with more severe disease, higher rates of complications, and in some cases, fatalities, particularly among children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

Experts are now investigating how this strain might have started circulating within US borders and whether community transmission is occurring.

Early Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Mpox usually begins with flu-like symptoms and can be easily mistaken for a seasonal illness in its early stages. Common early signs include:

• Fever, chills, or sweating
• Headache and muscle aches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat or nasal congestion

Within a few days, a distinctive rash develops, starting as red spots that progress into fluid-filled blisters or pustules. These can appear on the face, palms, soles, genitals, or even inside the mouth and eyes. The rash typically scabs over and heals within two to four weeks.

In more severe Clade I infections, complications may include secondary bacterial infections, prolonged healing, scarring, eye involvement leading to blindness, or inflammation of internal organs. In rare cases, systemic infection can occur, posing life-threatening risks.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain groups are more likely to contract or develop severe mpox:

• Those in close, intimate, or prolonged contact with an infected person
• Individuals who share contaminated clothing, bedding, or surfaces
• People exposed to respiratory droplets through face-to-face interaction
• Individuals with multiple sexual partners or exposure in commercial sexual venues
• People with compromised immunity, such as those living with HIV, cancer, or transplant recipients

Children and pregnant women

Public health experts emphasize that awareness of symptoms and early diagnosis are key to preventing further spread.

How to Stay Safe

While most mpox cases are not fatal, Clade I poses a higher risk, making prevention critical. Health agencies recommend the following:

• Avoid direct contact with people who have rashes or lesions resembling mpox.
• Do not share personal items like towels, bedding, or clothing.
• Practice good hand hygiene, wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Use masks in crowded or high-risk settings where close contact occurs.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you notice suspicious rashes or flu-like symptoms after possible exposure.

Experts also stress that vaccines used during the 2022 outbreak, such as Jynneos, remain effective against both Clade I and Clade II strains. Vaccination, combined with early treatment and isolation of confirmed cases, is expected to play a crucial role in containing the spread.