Comprehensive Assessment of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause for morbidity and mortality in general population. The incidence of cardiovascular disease and their poor outcome is well documented in a broad spectrum of connective tissue diseases, especially in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The risk of incident CVD is increased by 48% in patients with RA compared to the general population.

RA is associated with 50% increase in the mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). One reason is the more frequent cardiovascular risk factors in RA patients compared with the general population. Patients with RA have a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the present study is to assess whether there are non-invasive measures that might predict arteriosclerosis in RA patients.