Relative importance of inflammation and cardiorespiratory fitness for all-cause mortality risk in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: the population-based Trøndelag Health Study.

Even with CRP concentrations <3 mg/L in all patients with RA, excess mortality mediated by low CRF would still play an important role. Improved inflammation control in RA does not necessarily lead to better CRF. Therefore, our study strongly supports recommendations for development and implementation of exercise programmes aimed at improving CRF in persons with RA.