Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

Targeting CVD risk in chronic connective tissue disease

Anshuman P Malaviya1, Frances C Hall

  • 1Rheumatology Clinical Research Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

The Practitioner
|June 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chronic inflammation in rheumatological diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus significantly elevates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Early detection and management of CVD are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic inflammatory rheumatological conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are strongly linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden.
  • CVD is a primary cause of excess mortality in RA and SLE patients.
  • Other conditions like psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and systemic sclerosis also present heightened CVD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the association between chronic inflammatory rheumatological conditions and cardiovascular disease.
  • To highlight the specific risks and mechanisms linking autoimmune diseases to accelerated atherosclerosis and thrombotic events.
  • To underscore the importance of addressing CVD in the management of rheumatological patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on cardiovascular risk in various chronic inflammatory rheumatological conditions.
  • Analysis of data linking inflammatory markers to subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • Examination of the interplay between traditional risk factors, disease-specific elements, and drug effects in atherogenesis.

Main Results:

  • CVD mortality increases early in RA, with elevated risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and CVD hospital admissions shortly after diagnosis.
  • A direct correlation exists between subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and elevated inflammatory markers.
  • SLE patients face a 2-10 fold higher risk of CVD events, with CVD being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
  • Antiphospholipid antibodies contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis and thromboses.
  • Chronic inflammation impacts lipid profiles and influences atherogenesis through a complex multifactorial process.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic inflammation in rheumatological diseases is a significant driver of cardiovascular disease.
  • Integrated management strategies addressing both rheumatological and cardiovascular aspects are essential for this patient population.
  • Further research into the specific mechanisms and targeted interventions is warranted to mitigate CVD risk.

More Related Videos

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat04:30

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...