Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
06:31
Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
Published on: October 6, 2023
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Coronary Artery Calcium Progression: A Case Cohort Analysis From ELSA-Brasil.
Patrícia Fonseca Estrada1, Marcos R N Cavalcante1, Itamar de Souza Santos1
1Clinical and Epidemiological Research Center, University Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Arthritis Care & Research
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) did not correlate with coronary artery calcium (CAC) prevalence or incidence. However, RA was significantly associated with the progression of CAC over four years in adults without prior cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in RA patients.
- The relationship between RA and coronary artery calcium (CAC) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) prevalence, incidence, and progression.
- To assess these associations over a four-year period in adults without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- A case-cohort study design was employed within the ELSA-Brasil cohort.
- Participants included 585 adults (86 with RA, 499 controls).
- Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was quantified using computed tomography; progression was assessed over four years using multivariable regression models.
Main Results:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was not associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) prevalence or incidence.
- RA was significantly associated with increased CAC progression over four years (OR = 4.29; 95% CI: 1.98-14.65) after multivariable adjustment.
- The mean age of participants was 51.5 ± 8.9 years, with 55.5% females.
Conclusions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression, independent of prevalence or incidence.
- Chronic inflammation in RA may contribute to accelerated vascular calcification via non-traditional pathways.
- Longitudinal cardiovascular monitoring is recommended for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Related Concept Videos
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...