[Comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis: A focus on cardiovascular diseases]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease.
• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the leading cause of mortality in RA patients.
• Chronic inflammation in RA contributes to accelerated atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent data on pathogenic mechanisms linking RA and CVD.
• To examine traditional and RA-specific risk factors for CVD in RA patients.
• To discuss biomarkers, diagnostic methods, and prevention strategies for CVD in RA.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on RA and CVD.
• Analysis of pathogenic mechanisms of inflammation and atherosclerosis in RA.
• Evaluation of risk factors, biomarkers, diagnosis, and prevention of CVD in RA.

Main Results:

• CVD is the primary comorbidity and cause of death in RA.
• Shared inflammatory pathways link RA pathogenesis to atherosclerosis.
• Specific biomarkers and risk factors for CVD in RA have been identified.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the interplay between RA and CVD is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Targeting inflammation and specific risk factors may reduce CVD burden in RA.
• Early diagnosis and tailored prevention strategies are essential for managing CVD in RA patients.