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Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Implications
Alexis Zambrano Zambrano1, Hector Del Río Zanatta2, Andrea González Espinoza3
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre ISSSTEFelix Cuevas, 540, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, Mexico City, 03104, Mexico. alexiszambrano@comunidad.unam.mx.
Current Heart Failure Reports
|September 17, 2024
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly increases heart failure risk, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Early inflammation control in RA patients can reduce heart failure incidence and improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease affecting 1% of the population.
- Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of premature mortality in RA patients.
- RA is associated with a 2-3 fold increased incidence of heart failure compared to the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between rheumatoid arthritis and heart failure.
- To highlight the role of inflammation in RA-associated heart failure.
- To discuss the prevalence and diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in RA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies examining RA and heart failure.
- Analysis of the impact of systemic inflammation on cardiovascular health in RA.
- Examination of diagnostic challenges and therapeutic strategies for HFpEF in RA patients.
Main Results:
- Inflammation in RA is a significant driver of heart failure, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) constitutes approximately 50% of heart failure cases in RA patients and is often underdiagnosed.
- Atypical presentations and non-specific symptoms complicate HFpEF diagnosis in RA.
- Early and effective control of inflammation is linked to reduced risk of heart failure development and progression.
Conclusions:
- Managing inflammation is crucial for mitigating cardiovascular risk in RA.
- Increased awareness and improved diagnostic approaches for HFpEF are needed in RA patients.
- Prompt inflammation control in RA can significantly improve cardiac morbidity and mortality outcomes.
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