NRAS launches major new cardiovascular risk management modules for their e-learning programme SMILE-RA17 February 2026 The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) will launch a series of three new modules on managing cardiovascular risk for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) within its SMILE-RA e-learning, self-management programme in mid-February. This is an important new educational resource for people with RA who have an increased risk of developing heart disease, (similar to people with Type 2 Diabetes). Risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people with RA is 1.5 times higher than the general population underscoring the importance of accessible, evidence-based information. Several guidelines, e.g., the NICE Guideline NG100 in adults with RA, reflect this risk and advocate for regular screening. However, the implementation of periodic screening either by rheumatology teams or by GPs is not universally applied in the UK, and people with RA often have undiagnosed or sub-optimally treated risk factors. Recent international audits demonstrate clearly that this is a widespread problem, irrespective of country or health system. It is therefore not surprising that despite the advances in RA treatment, people with RA still carry significantly increased CVD risk. To address this NRAS has developed three modules in collaboration with leading experts Professor George Kitas, Dr Elena Nikiphorou and Registered Nutritional Therapist Emma-Jayne Adams. This unique, new, video-based resource aims to help people living with RA to better understand and reduce their elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease. To support this need, the new CVD module is divided into three focused sections: the science behind why individuals with RA face greater cardiovascular risk; a detailed overview of specific CVD risk factors and how/when to monitor them; and practical guidance on diet, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle adaptations that can help reduce overall risk. The new modules will be freely available to anyone who is interested, irrespective of whether you are a new or existing user of SMILE-RA, reinforcing NRAS’s commitment to supporting people with RA in managing their condition with confidence and clarity. “Cardiovascular health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of living with rheumatoid arthritis. By expanding SMILE-RA with these dedicated modules, we want to empower people with RA to understand their risks and take practical, achievable steps to protect their long-term health. A big part of what NRAS does is to provide evidence-based information and education to inform and empower you, the person with RA, to make the right choices and decisions about your own health, which suit your life and you as an individual. We are grateful to experts such as Dr George Kitas for helping us ensure this information is both accurate and accessible.” Ailsa Bosworth MBE, NRAS Patient Champion “These new SMILE modules on managing risk of heart disease in people with RA will be an extremely important addition to the SMILE programme for people with RA in the UK to help them manage key risks which could impact their health and improve their overall health outcomes. Problems with the heart and blood vessels are relatively common in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients and their doctors can get information that will not only help them understand the causes and importance of these problems but also see what can be done by themselves and their carers to prevent or reduce them, both with lifestyle changes and medications, as necessary.” Professor George Kitas, MD, PhD, FRCPConsultant Rheumatologist, Honorary Professor of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Manchester, Honorary Professor of Behavioural Rheumatology, University of Birmingham “People living with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of heart disease, so learning to manage cardiovascular risk factors is a key part of self-management to protect long-term health and quality of life. SMILE-RA is a brilliant resource of CVD risk management modules and self-management guidance and support for people living with RA” Dr Elena Nikiphorou, MBBS/BSc, FRCP, MD(Res), PhD, PGCME, FHEA Consultant Rheumatologist, Rheumatology Department, King‘s College Hospital. Reader in Rheumatology & Medical Education, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King‘s College London “Nutrition that aims to support our gut integrity, microbiome, blood sugar balance and reduce inflammation is fundamental to health. As our understanding of the gut-heart connection has evolved, it’s clear from the research that cardiovascular health cannot be separated from gut health. The food we eat, how we digest and how our gut communicates with the rest of the body are now recognised as key pillars in a preventative, integrative approach to managing cardiovascular disease risk.” Emma Jayne Adams, BSc(Hons) PGDip NLP mBANT CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapist We would like to thank the National Lottery Community Fund for their contribution which helped fund the creation of these new SMILE-RA modules. About NRAS The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), is the only patient-led organisation in the UK specialising in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Due to its targeted focus on RA and JIA, NRAS provides truly expert and wide-ranging services to support, educate and campaign for people living with these complex autoimmune conditions, their families and the health professionals who treat them. Their vision is to support all with RA or JIA to live life to the full with an underpinning mission to: Support everyone living with the impact of RA or JIA at the start and every step of their journey To inform – be their first choice for reliable information, and.. Empower all to have a voice and take control of their RA or JIA CONTACT INFORMATION eleanor@nras.org.uk01628 823 524