In the last three decades numerous epidemiologic studies have shown the correlation between risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. Clinical research has proven that rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA) have higher prevalence of classical risk factors in relation to general population, and over the last few years there has been an emphasis on some new risk factors which can contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
This study examined risk factor values for CVD in 88 patients with RA treated at Rheumatology Department, Clinical Hospital Centre, Zemun. All patients have been thoroughly examined (clinical findings, laboratory and echocardiographic examination). Apart from classical factors, "new" risk factors have been examined in all patients: C-reactive proteine (CRP), high-sensitive C-reactive proteine (hs-CRP) and homocystein.
It has been determined that RA patients have more frequent higher new risk factors in comparison to classical ones. 84.1% of patients had higher CRP values, 97.1% had hsCRP and 39.5% had homocystein. The mean CRP values, especially hsCRP have been higher in patients with positive rheumatoid factor finding.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients may have worse "background atherosclerosis" than even subjects matched for classical cardiovascular risk factors. Continuous exposure to high grade systemic inflammation may be linked to accelerated atherosclerosis.
Timely identification of patients with risk factors, particularly with new risk factors, enables adequate approach in prevention of and treatment for CVD in rheumatoid arthritis patients.