Cardiovascular diseases among Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its relation to traditional risk factors

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is associated with increased mortality which is due to accelerated coronary artery and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis and researchers have not been able to clearly identify specific aspects of RA or its treatment that might higher the risk for cardiovascular [CV] disease. Prevalence of CV events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Effects of rheumatoid arthritis as a risk factor in developing CV diseases as well as influence of early and proper treatment on such risk. Association between RA as a risk factor and other traditional risk factors on CV diseases. 300 patients with RA and 150 controls matched with age and sex were subjected to full clinical assessment, laboratory investigations especially for rheumatoid factor [RF], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP], electrocardiography [ECG], conventional radiographs of both hands and feet to detect joint erosions and Doppler echocardiography. 13.5% of patients with RA has CV events, 7% for myocardial infarction and 2% for stroke. RA-related risk factors [extra articular disease, joints erosions and presence of RF were associated with CV events, the use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs] were associated with lower risk for CV events. Our study confirm the role of traditional risk factors and their interplay with RA-retated risk factors in development of CV events. It also supports the beneficial effects of some DMARDs in lowering such risks