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Risk factor profiles for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in black and other Africans with established

Ahmed Solomon1, Berenice F Christian, Gavin R Norton

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, University of the Witwatersrand and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Journal of Rheumatology
|March 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Black Africans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not show reduced atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Cardiovascular disease risk assessment in RA patients should not depend on ethnic origin.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases

Background:

  • Black Africans are perceived to have a lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • This study examines whether this protective effect extends to Black Africans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor profiles and arterial stiffness in Black Africans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • To compare CVD risk between Black Africans and other ethnic groups with RA.

Main Methods:

  • Multivariable regression models were used to analyze CVD risk factors and arterial stiffness.
  • Risk factors included conventional (hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, diabetes, metabolic syndrome) and nonconventional (rheumatoid factor, inflammation markers) measures.
  • Arterial stiffness was assessed using brachial pulse pressure.

Main Results:

  • Black Africans with RA had higher rates of hypertension and diabetes but lower smoking rates.
  • Despite differences in individual risk factors, overall CVD risk scores and metabolic syndrome prevalence were similar between ethnic groups.
  • Black ethnicity was not independently associated with inflammation markers or arterial stiffness.

Conclusions:

  • Black patients with RA do not exhibit reduced overall atherosclerotic CVD risk or arterial stiffness compared to other ethnic groups.
  • Cardiovascular disease risk management in RA should be individualized, irrespective of ethnicity or epidemiological transition stage.
Abstract

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