Exploration of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Early detection of CVD in RA patients is crucial for improving prognosis but remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific risk factors for CVD incidence in patients diagnosed with RA.
• To develop predictive models for CVD likelihood in RA patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of RA patients categorized by CVD risk and presence.
• Utilized univariate analysis, LASSO, RF, and LR models to screen characteristic variables.
• Established individualized nomograms for CVD risk assessment in RA.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of WBC, BUN, creatinine, CK, LDH, VEGF, serum lipids (TC, TG, LDL), and apolipoproteins (ApoB100, ApoE) were observed in RA patients with CVD.
• Decreased levels of ApoA1 and HDL/TC ratio, along with a reduced ratio of regulatory T (Treg) cells, were noted in RA patients with CVD.
• Machine learning models and univariate analysis identified key indicators for a predictive nomogram.

Conclusions:

• Serum lipids, lipoproteins, and a reduction in Treg cells are significant risk factors for CVD in RA patients.
• Three nomograms were developed to predict the likelihood of CVD in RA patients, incorporating various identified risk factors.