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Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
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Intima-media thickness of common carotid as cardiovascular risk factor in rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic

S Coaccioli1, G Capitò, M Valentini

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine Perugia University, 06100 Perugia. scoaccioli@tin.it

La Clinica Terapeutica
|February 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Rheumatoid arthritis patients show increased intima-media thickness, indicating a significant cardiovascular risk independent of disease activity or lipid levels. This highlights rheumatoid arthritis as an independent atherosclerosis risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a major concern in inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
  • Intima-media thickness (IMT) and lipid profiles are key indicators of atherosclerosis.
  • Understanding these markers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and obesity is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare intima-media thickness (IMT) and lipid profiles in patients with RA, T1DM, and obesity against normal subjects.
  • To determine the relationship between cardiovascular risks and pro-atherosclerosis conditions in these patient groups.
  • To identify independent risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 147 subjects, including 38 RA patients, 42 T1DM patients, 37 obese patients, and 30 normal controls.
  • Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic plaques using ultrasound, following established guidelines.
  • Analysis of lipid profiles in all participant groups.

Main Results:

  • Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibited a thickened intima-media complex.
  • This atherosclerotic risk factor in RA patients was present irrespective of disease activity or serum lipid levels.
  • The study observed varying degrees of IMT and plaque presence across RA, T1DM, and obesity groups compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) itself appears to be a significant and independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • The increased atherosclerosis risk in RA patients does not seem to correlate with their lipid profile.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking chronic inflammation in RA to cardiovascular risk.
Abstract

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