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Increased risk of peripheral arterial disease in polymyalgia rheumatica: a population-based cohort study

Kenneth J Warrington1, Elena P Jarpa, Cynthia S Crowson

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. warrington.kenneth@mayo.edu

Arthritis Research & Therapy
|April 2, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) have a significantly higher risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This study confirms an increased PAD risk in PMR patients, even after accounting for other cardiovascular factors.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition.
  • The association between PMR and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if patients diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) face an elevated risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Main Methods:

  • An inception cohort of PMR patients from Olmsted County, Minnesota, was compared to a control group.
  • Longitudinal follow-up via medical record review was conducted from diagnosis until 2006.
  • Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess PAD risk in PMR patients versus controls.

Main Results:

  • Patients with PMR showed a significantly higher cumulative incidence of PAD compared to non-PMR subjects.
  • The adjusted hazard ratio for PAD in PMR patients was 2.50 (1.53, 4.08), indicating a 2.5-fold increased risk.
  • Giant cell arteritis, a related condition, did not predict PAD development in PMR patients.

Conclusions:

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is associated with an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
  • This finding highlights the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment in PMR patients.

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