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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
Summary
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.
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