We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but according to media outlet, Newswise, a rather unfortunate truth has been recently brought to light, revealing that people with spinal arthritis have a higher risk of death from heart attack and stroke.

Recent research from Toronto Western Hospital’s Spodyloarthritis Program suggests ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients have a 35% higher risk of death from heart attack and a 60% higher risk of passing away from a stroke.Talk about a pick-me-up! Hope you were enjoying whatever you were doing…

But we won’t leave it there.

Dr. Nigil Haroon, lead researcher and specialist in spondyloarthritis, believes this evidence provides a better idea of what a person with AS might be facing. It’s true when they say the more you know, the more you know.

Armed with this information, ankylosing spondylitis patients have justifiable reason, as if they didn’t before, to seek comprehensive screening, specialized care, and thorough heart and brain management.

There may be no ankylosing spondylitis cure, but there are therapies to fight the symptoms and slow down the progression. The good news is… Dr. Haroon has also conducted studies on the effects biologic treatments have on AS, and the results are promising.

The future for AS patients may glow bright yet with these easy steps:

 Step 1) Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Step 2) Establish a relationship with a cardiologist and/or neurologist.

Step 3) Choose to live a healthy lifestyle.

Click here to view in-depth study findings.

Although there is no ankylosing spondylitis cure, share this information with people who are living with this disease to help better prepare them for the road ahead.