The life expectancy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is not generalized. The disease is mild and timely treatment usually does not affect the normal life expectancy of patients, but the involvement of vital organs such as the heart and kidneys may shorten the life expectancy of patients. Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the peripheral joints and causes symmetric, erosive inflammation, and patients often experience joint pain, joint swelling and morning stiffness, and there is currently a lack of effective cures for this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is currently treated with medications such as methotrexate and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, surgery such as synovectomy, and physical therapy. With timely and effective treatment, the patient’s condition can usually be effectively controlled and life expectancy is not affected. Although rheumatoid arthritis does not usually lead to death, the disease can progress with the disease and gradually involve the lungs, heart, nervous system, eyes and kidneys and other vital organs, and in serious cases, it can jeopardize the patient’s life. Rheumatoid arthritis patients should go to the rheumatology and immunology department of regular hospitals for detailed consultation and standardized treatment as prescribed by doctors.