[Cardiovascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis]

Morbidity and mortality rates are higher in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients than in the general population. RA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. All of the cardiac structures can be affected during the course of RA. Rheumatoid arthritis, per se, is a cardiovascular (CV) risk factor as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes etc. Although the increased CV risk is acknowledged, limited attention is paid to detecting and managing CV comorbid conditions. Early identification, adequate CV risk management and ongoing monitoring of risk factors are mandatory to reduce the CV risk. Also, adequate control of arthritis disease activity is necessary to lower CV risk.