Yes, unfortunately. Some research estimates as high as twice the risk of heart disease in the first 10 years following RA diagnosis. Inflammation is generally considered to be the link between the two diagnoses, so 'which came first?' can often be confusing. Read more on this topic at: http://myheartsisters.org/2009/10/04/what-diagnosis-doubles-your-risk-of-heart-attack/

You were very young at the time of your heart attack! It must have been a tremendous shock, especially given your healthy lifestyle and minimal known cardiac risk factors. But don't downplay the damaging effects of stress on your cardiovascular system. Some cardiologists now believe that chronic stress can be as damaging or even more damaging than other known risk factors like diabetes and hypertension.

When I attended the Mayo Clinic Symposium for Women with Heart Disease last year, our group of 45 heart attack survivors (ages 31-71) included a triathlete and a physician among many others who were "healthy" with no traditional risk factors, or so they thought!