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Ankylosing spondylitis: a risk factor for myocardial infarction?

M J L Peters1, I Visman, M M J Nielen

  • 1Departments of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|May 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have a significantly higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) compared to the general population. This study highlights an increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with AS.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
  • Cardiovascular disease is a significant concern in inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with AS.
  • To compare MI rates in AS patients against the general population.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire was distributed to 593 AS patients (aged 50-75).
  • 383 patients (65%) completed the survey regarding (non-fatal) MI.
  • Prevalence data were compared with the Netherlands Information Network of General Practice databases.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of MI was 4.4% in AS patients versus 1.2% in the general population.
  • This resulted in an age- and gender-adjusted odds ratio of 3.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 5.1) for AS patients.
  • Considering non-responders as non-MI cases lowered the odds ratio to 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.2).

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of myocardial infarction is elevated in patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.
  • AS patients face a higher risk of MI compared to the general population.
Abstract

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