Hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis.
RA associates with an increased burden of cardiovascular disease, which is at least partially attributed to classical risk factors such as hypertension (HT) and dyslipidaemia. HT is highly prevalent, and seems to be under-diagnosed and under-treated among patients with RA. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that may lead to increased blood pressure in such patients, paying particular attention to commonly used drugs for the treatment of RA. We also suggest screening strategies and management algorithms for HT, specific to the RA population, although it is clear that these need to be formally assessed in prospective randomized controlled trials designed specifically for the purpose, which, unfortunately, are currently lacking.
Panoulas
V F
VF
Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Pensnett Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 2HQ, UK.
Metsios
G S
GS
Pace
A V
AV
John
H
H
Treharne
G J
GJ
Banks
M J
MJ
Kitas
G D
GD
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D009043:Motor Activity; D012307:Risk Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids