The Frequency of Traditional and Additional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hypertensive Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and its Interrelation with Subclinical Atherosclerosis Manifistations

The objective was to evaluate the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients with rheumatoid arthritis depending on subclinical manifestation of atherosclerosis. The study involved 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and stably selected therapy for more than 6 months at the age from 45 to 65 years (mean age 53,19 ± 5,40 years). The risk of fatal cardiovascular disease was calculated using modificated SCORE for RA. The levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, serum creatinine, body mass index, body area index, disease activity score DAS-28 were determined. Intima-media thickness of common carotid artery and endothelial-dependent flow mediated vasodilatation of brachial artery were measured by high-resolution ultrasonography, echocardiography was performed to all pts.

The most frequently revealed traditional risk factors were dyslipidemia (83% pts, mean levels of total cholesterol 5,9±0,36 ±0,11 mmol/l) and obesity - 78% pts (mean BMI level 31,12 (±5,85)). Subclinical manifestations of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction were established in the majority of patients – 65% and 75% respectively. Wherein cardiovascular risk level matched by SCORE was 1,48 ± 1,94%, with consideration of 1,5 coefficient - 1,98 ± 2,53%, all the same is considered that medium risk. Conclusions: Hypertensive patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a high prevalence of traditional risk factors such as obesity and dyslipidemia. The Assessment of additional risk factors such as endothelial dysfunction and performing of carotid ultrasound may be useful for managing this group of pts.