[Cardiovascular diseases in rheumatoid arthritis]

Risk of cardiovascular diseases is significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than in normal population, leading to higher mortality of these patients. An accelerated atherosclerosis has been considered a basis for the increased cardiovascular risk in RA. Besides classical atherosclerosis risk factors, systemic inflammation plays a substantial role. Indirect mechanisms such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia may play a role, however, inflammation probably causes direct damage to blood vessels. Thus, systemic inflammation has a primary role and other factors accelerate this process. An adequate anti-inflammatory therapy can have a positive effect also on cardiovascular diseases in RA.