Cardiometabolic risk and vascular changes in rheumatic diseases
Yuliya Fedorchenko1, Umida Khojakulova2, Bekzhan A Permenov3,4,5
1Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine.
Rheumatology International
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Rheumatic diseases significantly increase cardiovascular risks due to accelerated atherosclerosis. Managing inflammation and disease activity is key to improving vascular health and preventing heart disease in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases (RDs) are linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Systemic inflammation, autoantibodies, oxidative stress, and lipid issues drive atherosclerosis in RDs.
- Subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic risks are prevalent in various RDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic risk in common RDs.
- To explore the role of emerging biomarkers and advanced imaging in assessing vascular damage.
- To highlight the impact of disease control and therapies on cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing evidence on subclinical atherosclerosis in RDs.
- Analysis of factors influencing vascular alterations in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Evaluation of novel biomarkers and imaging techniques for early detection of vascular disease.
Main Results:
- Vascular changes in RDs correlate with inflammation, disease duration, autoantibodies, and treatment exposures.
- New biomarkers (e.g., apolipoprotein B48, FIB-4 index) offer prognostic value beyond traditional lipids.
- Advanced imaging aids in detecting arterial calcification and stiffness.
- Increased atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction are confirmed across multiple RDs.
- Disease control and immunomodulatory therapies improve vascular and metabolic profiles.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical atherosclerosis is a key link between autoimmunity and cardiovascular disease in RDs.
- Early vascular assessment and risk stratification are crucial for precision cardiovascular prevention.
- Tight disease management and targeted therapies can mitigate cardiovascular risks in RDs.
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