The Evolving Field of Cardio-Rheumatology: Global Patterns and Research Gaps, 1953-2025

Area of Science:

• Cardio-rheumatology
• Intersection of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases
• Bibliometric analysis

Background:

• Increasing clinical and research interest in cardio-rheumatology.
• Rising burden of cardiovascular complications in rheumatic conditions.
• Intellectually fragmented nature of the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess publication trends, citation metrics, authorship patterns, and global contributions in cardio-rheumatology.
• To identify dominant and emerging themes within the field.
• To highlight the need for interdisciplinary and international integration.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 3,709 articles.
• Data sourced from Scopus databases.
• Analysis period: 1953 to March 2025.

Main Results:

• Sharp increase in cardio-rheumatology publications post 2010.
• United States leads in publication volume and impact.
• Limited international collaboration (11.6% multi-country authorship).
• Concentrated productivity among a few contributors.
• Dominant themes: myocarditis, pericarditis, accelerated atherosclerosis.
• Emerging areas: cardiac sarcoidosis, advanced imaging, biologic therapy-associated cardiotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Cardio-rheumatology is a rapidly evolving field with significant growth.
• Greater interdisciplinary and international collaboration is essential.
• Advancing the field requires integrated efforts to improve patient outcomes.