Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis
04:47

Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Published on: October 27, 2023

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in ankylosing spondylitis: current insights

Michael T Nurmohamed1, Irene van der Horst-Bruinsma, Walter P Maksymowych

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, VU University Medical Centre, PO Box 7057, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mt.nurmohamed@vumc.nl

Current Rheumatology Reports
|July 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Ankylosing spondylitis patients face higher cardiovascular risk due to inflammation and traditional factors. Managing this risk requires addressing both inflammation and traditional risk factors for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Cardiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk.
  • Evidence strongly suggests increased atherosclerotic disease in AS patients.
  • The exact role of AS-specific cardiac issues in this heightened CV risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the contributing factors to increased cardiovascular risk in ankylosing spondylitis.
  • To investigate the interplay between chronic inflammation, traditional CV risk factors, and AS-related cardiac manifestations.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding CV risk management strategies for AS patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current evidence on cardiovascular risk in ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Analysis of the contribution of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Evaluation of the role of chronic inflammation and AS-specific cardiac manifestations.

Main Results:

  • Both traditional CV risk factors and the chronic inflammatory process significantly contribute to atherosclerotic risk in AS.
  • Emerging evidence points to inflammation as a key etiological factor in AS-related cardiac issues.
  • The precise impact of AS-specific cardiac manifestations on overall CV risk needs further elucidation.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular risk management is crucial for patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Management should encompass assessment and treatment of traditional CV risk factors.
  • Effective suppression of the underlying inflammatory process is a key therapeutic goal.

More Related Videos

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
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...
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...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...