[Cardiovascular diseases in rheumatoid arthritis].
Risk of cardiovascular diseases is significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than in normal population, leading to higher mortality of these patients. An accelerated atherosclerosis has been considered a basis for the increased cardiovascular risk in RA. Besides classical atherosclerosis risk factors, systemic inflammation plays a substantial role. Indirect mechanisms such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia may play a role, however, inflammation probably causes direct damage to blood vessels. Thus, systemic inflammation has a primary role and other factors accelerate this process. An adequate anti-inflammatory therapy can have a positive effect also on cardiovascular diseases in RA.
Rovenský
J
J
Národný ústav reumatických chorôb Piest'any, Slovenská republika. rovensky.jozef@nurch.sk
Vlcek
M
M
Imrich
R
R
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors