New study shows heart attack complications higher for people with autoimmune diseases

A new study found people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis have a higher complication rate after a heart attack.

A doctor with the Cleveland Clinic who was involved in the study says more than 1.6 million adults, ages 65 and older, participated in the study.

The results showed those with an autoimmune disease were more likely to die, develop heart failure or have a serious heart attack.

They were also less likely to receive common procedures to restore blood flow after a heart attack, which could be because they are at higher risk for procedure-related complications.

Doctor Heba Wassif says they don’t want these results to scare the public. However, it is important for those with autoimmune disease to take proactive steps to help prevent heart disease.