title: Rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease: an update on treatment issues.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review examines thresholds for treatment of traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether RA-specific treatment modulates cardiovascular risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are substantial data demonstrating an increased CVD risk among patients with RA. Both traditional CVD risk factors and inflammation contribute to this risk. Recent epidemiologic studies strengthen the case that aggressive immunosuppression with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, is associated with a reduced risk of CVD events. However, to date, there are no randomized controlled trials published regarding the management of CVD in RA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epidemiologic evidence continues to accumulate regarding the relationship between the effects of traditional CVD risk factors and RA-specific treatments on cardiovascular outcomes in RA. The field needs randomized controlled trials to better guide management.
authors: Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: Medha
authors: M
authors: Barbhaiya
authors: Daniel H
authors: DH
authors: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D008727:Methotrexate