[Treatment of cardiovascular risk factors]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular (CV) events are a leading cause of mortality in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Both disease activity and traditional CV risk factors significantly contribute to the overall CV risk in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the impact of antirheumatic drugs on CV risk in RA.
• To emphasize the importance of managing traditional CV risk factors alongside disease control.
• To underscore the need for regular CV risk monitoring in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on CV risk in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
• Analysis of the effects of various antirheumatic drug classes on CV outcomes.
• Discussion of risk stratification and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and glucocorticoids are associated with increased CV risk.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and biologics, significantly reduce CV risk.
• Effective disease control is crucial for mitigating CV risk.

Conclusions:

• Rheumatologists must actively manage traditional CV risk factors and consider drug-induced CV risk.
• Treatment selection for rheumatic diseases should prioritize agents that minimize CV risk.
• Regular monitoring and adequate treatment are essential to reduce or eliminate CV risk in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.