Gaurav Mehta Gaurav Mehta Asked 4 months ago

Is rheumatoid arthritis genetic or hereditary?

My dad has rheumatoid arthritis, and my sister is showing some early symptoms. We are all quite concerned about this. Is rheumatoid arthritis genetic or hereditary, meaning it can be passed down in families?

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5 answers

Ritu Rawat Ritu Rawat Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago
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I used to panic thinking I would definitely get it because my mother has it! But my doctor reassured me that while the genetic risk is passed down, it is not directly hereditary like you will 100% get it. It requires environmental triggers too, so please stay relaxed.

Mahesh Prasad Mahesh Prasad Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Yes, there is a genetic connection, so if you have a family history, it's wise to plan ahead. I suggest looking for budget-friendly diagnostic labs for basic screening tests like RA factor or Anti-CCP. Doing this periodically doesn't cost much and saves you from massive hospital bills later.

Ananya Deshpande Ananya Deshpande Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

When I visited my doctor at Kokilaben Hospital, I asked this exact question. He explained that genetics play a role, but it's not a direct 'parent-to-child' inheritance. Honestly, instead of reading online theories, just book an appointment with a specialist who can explain it clearly.

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Usha Devi Usha Devi Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

It can run in families, yes, but we can't change our genes, can we? What we can do is keep our body healthy. I have seen that keeping a simple lifestyle, drinking methi water, and keeping joints warm helps prevent any family aches from acting up.

Srinivas Rao Srinivas Rao Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

According to my rheumatologist, certain HLA genes make you more susceptible to RA, but they don't guarantee you'll get it. It usually takes an external trigger, like an infection or smoking, to actually activate the disease. It's a complex mix of genetics and environment.

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