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[Left ventricular function in rheumatoid arthritis patients].
Grzegorz Kamiński1, Marian Cholewa, Witold Tłustochowicz
1Klinika Endokrynologii Instytutu Medycyny Wojskowej Centralnego Szpitala Klinicznego WAM w Warszawie.
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without overt heart disease show impaired left ventricular diastolic function and increased heart mass, even before systolic function declines. This subclinical cardiac involvement highlights the systemic impact of RA.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pathophysiology
Context:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.
- Subclinical cardiac involvement is suspected in RA patients.
- Existing research highlights a discrepancy between RA's systemic effects and overt cardiac symptoms.
Purpose:
- To echocardiographically assess the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on left ventricular structure and function.
- To evaluate systolic and diastolic function in RA patients lacking clinical signs of heart disease.
- To investigate early cardiac changes in rheumatoid arthritis.
Summary:
- Fifty RA patients and 50 controls underwent echocardiography.
- RA patients exhibited increased left ventricular wall thickness, mass, and mass index.
- Diastolic dysfunction was prevalent in RA patients, while systolic function remained normal initially.
- Progressive RA led to impaired left ventricular systolic function.
- Subclinical diastolic dysfunction was common in RA patients.
Impact:
- Reveals subclinical left ventricular structural and functional changes in RA patients.
- Suggests early myocardial involvement in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Highlights the importance of echocardiography for early detection of cardiac issues in RA.
- Underscores the need for cardiovascular monitoring in RA management.