
Methotrexate May Lower Blood Pressure, Shield Heart Health in RA Patients
A Flinders University–led study finds methotrexate, a long-used rheumatoid arthritis drug, lowers systolic blood pressure by about 7.4 mmHg in newly diagnosed RA patients compared with sulfasalazine, a reduction that could meaningfully reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. The blood-pressure drop did not track with improvements in joint symptoms or arterial stiffness, suggesting other pathways (such as reduced systemic inflammation) may be involved. Genetic factors may help predict who benefits most, paving the way for personalized therapy, though more research is needed.













