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Risk factors and early detection of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Author(s) -
De Groot Lodewijk,
Posthumus Marcel D.,
Kallenberg Cees G. M.,
Bijl Marc
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02333.x
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , endothelial dysfunction , pathogenesis , disease , immunology
Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (9): 835–842 Abstract Background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). This cannot be explained alone by the increased prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors like smoking and hypertension. Other factors therefore seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in RA. Methods Literature was searched for epidemiology and pathophysiology of atherosclerosis in RA, with special focus on the role of advanced glycation end products (AGE’s), endothelial activation, endothelial dysfunction and premature atherosclerosis as measured by intima media thickness (IMT). Finally, a literature search was performed on therapeutic strategies to prevent atherosclerosis in RA. Results In RA increased AGE accumulation, endothelial activation, endothelial dysfunction and premature atherosclerosis can be identified. Treatment of RA activity by multiple disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARD’s) has shown to be effective in reducing premature atherosclerosis in RA. Conclusion Cardiovascular disease is increased in RA. Tight disease control and treatment of other risk factors is recommended to prevent morbidity and mortality due to CVD in RA.