Reducing the cardiovascular disease burden in rheumatoid arthritis

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 rhe umatoid 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.