Reducing the cardiovascular disease burden in rheumatoid arthritis

Med J Aust. 2006 Mar 20;184(6):287-90. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00239.x.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity; this increase is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs appears to reduce cardiovascular mortality. The optimal approach to prevention of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis is evolving, but will include a combination of: cardiovascular risk factor screening and management; effective and sustained control of joint and systemic inflammation; and a high index of suspicion for silent cardiac disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology
  • Atherosclerosis / etiology
  • Atherosclerosis / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / methods
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents