Health Watch readers know the value of being able to treat joint pain naturally. But when it doesn’t go away—or when it gets worse—it could indicate a bigger problem. And it’s not just arthritis you have to worry about. There are less common conditions that cause the same kind of pain…

But they come with much greater risks.

A new study from the U.K. reveals suffering from one disease in particular may do more than cause pain. It could put your life in serious danger.

Researchers looked at more than 16,000 subjects. They found that having this condition alone increases risk of vascular disease up to fivefold.1 It’s also putting you at just as much risk for angina, heart attack, and even stroke…

And you—and your doctor—may have no clue that you even have it. In fact, experts don’t even know what causes it. They think it’s a virus. 2 But there’s no real test for it… Talk about complicated.

And if that’s not bad enough…

It’s an inflammatory disease that causes severe episodes of muscle pain. You can also expect bothersome neck, hip, and shoulder stiffness when you wake up in the morning.

We’re talking about polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Researchers found that having PMR raised risk regardless of other factors.3 This includes the factors that usually contribute to these problems. In other words, just having PMR puts your heart on the line—no matter how well you’re caring for your health. It also helps further demonstrate that inflammation can cause—or complicate—heart problems.

Most people haven’t heard of it… The mainstream doesn’t talk about it much. That’s probably because it only affects about 7% of people over 50 in the U.S.4 But it’s a health threat that you need to take seriously.

Again, there’s no test for PMR. That means your doctor will have to do some detective work. According to the American College of Rheumatology, there are certain signs to look for. These include pain in both shoulders and the hips. High inflammation is another measure. But unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it won’t show up in small joints.

Not surprisingly—and if they can find it—your doctor will try to solve the problem with a prescription.5 But there are safer, natural solutions available to you…

Research shows that thunder god vine and clove can reduce pain and inflammation. You can find them in supplement form in health stores and online. Eating the right fats is another easy way to ease your symptoms—and help prevent heart problems.

In Good Health,

Angela Salerno
Executive Director, INH Health Watch

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References:
1http://www.cmaj.ca/content/186/13/E495.abstract
2http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/basics/causes/con-20023162
3http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280239.php
4http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/p/polymyalgia_rheumatica/stats.htm
5http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/242454.php