Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent inflammatory disease affecting 1-3% globally.
• RA patients exhibit a significantly higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) compared to the general population.
• CVDs contribute to a 50% increase in mortality and morbidity among RA patients, often presenting atypically with silent ischemia and premature death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
• To explore the association between these risk factors and the chronic inflammation characteristic of RA.
• To highlight inflammation as an independent risk factor for CVD in RA.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of the interplay between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and RA-related inflammation.
• Synthesis of data on CVD patterns and outcomes in RA patients.

Main Results:

• Traditional cardiovascular risk factors act independently or synergistically with RA inflammation to elevate CVD risk.
• Inflammation itself is identified as a significant and independent contributor to cardiovascular risk in RA patients.
• RA patients experience a reduced lifespan of 5-10 years, largely due to cardiovascular complications.

Conclusions:

• Managing traditional CVD risk factors is essential in RA patients.
• Targeting the underlying inflammation in RA may mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• A comprehensive approach addressing both inflammation and traditional risk factors is necessary for improving cardiovascular outcomes in RA.