The heart in rheumatoid arthritis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to increased morbidity and mortality rates compared to the general population.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death in RA patients, often manifesting at a younger age.
• RA itself is a significant cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, comparable to conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the necessity of cardiovascular risk assessment and management in RA patients.
• To highlight that RA affects all cardiac structures, leading to diverse clinical manifestations.
• To underscore the importance of early detection of subclinical cardiac involvement in asymptomatic RA patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cardiovascular complications in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Analysis of RA as an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
• Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular prevention in RA.

Main Results:

• Rheumatoid arthritis significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease.
• Cardiac involvement in RA can affect valves, myocardium, pericardium, endocardium, conduction system, and coronary arteries.
• Cardiac complications in RA are associated with a poor prognosis.

Conclusions:

• RA patients require proactive cardiovascular monitoring and management strategies similar to those for high-risk non-RA patients.
• Early identification of subclinical cardiac involvement in RA is essential for timely intervention.
• Comprehensive long-term treatment is vital to mitigate the adverse prognostic impact of cardiac complications in RA.