Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
06:59

Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice

Published on: June 12, 2019

Accelerated atherosclerosis in pre-menopausal female patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A Pahor1, R Hojs, M Gorenjak

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia. artur.pahor@sb-mb.si

Rheumatology International
|September 6, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients show accelerated atherosclerosis, indicated by increased carotid intima-media thickness and plaque occurrence. Chronic systemic inflammation is a key factor in this accelerated cardiovascular disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Research
  • Rheumatology
  • Inflammation Studies

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
  • Asymptomatic atherosclerosis indicators like intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque presence are crucial for CVD risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare IMT and plaque occurrence in pre-menopausal female RA patients versus controls.
  • To evaluate correlations between atherosclerosis indicators and various risk factors in RA patients.

Main Methods:

  • B-mode ultrasonography of carotid arteries was used to measure IMT and detect plaques.
  • Seventy pre-menopausal female RA patients and 40 controls were included.
  • Blood levels of inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, ICAM, VCAM, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α) and lipids were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • RA patients exhibited significantly higher IMT (0.59 mm vs. 0.47 mm) and more plaques (P=0.023).
  • Elevated levels of hs-CRP, ICAM, VCAM, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α were observed in RA patients.
  • IMT correlated with triglycerides and inversely with HDL cholesterol; hs-CRP associated with IMT, and apolipoprotein B with plaque presence.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-menopausal female RA patients demonstrate accelerated atherosclerosis.
  • Chronic systemic inflammation appears to be a significant contributor to atherogenesis in RA.

More Related Videos

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice07:36

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice

Published on: September 26, 2018

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...