Reduced arterial elasticity in rheumatoid arthritis and the relationship to vascular disease risk factors and inflammation

Abstract

Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease. Reduced small artery elasticity (SAE) and large artery elasticity (LAE) and increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) have been found in other high-risk groups. In the present study, we sought to determine whether arterial elasticity was reduced and SVR was increased in RA patients compared with controls matched for coronary artery disease (CAD) status, and to relate the results to vascular disease risk factors, including measures of inflammation. Methods. Arterial elasticity was assessed by pulse wave analysis in RA patients with (n = 15) and without (n = 38) CAD, and in controls matched 1:..