RA Doubles Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Posted 6/17/08
The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been found to be comparable to the risk of CVD in people with type 2 diabetes, according to the conclusions of two studies presented at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism.
At least one CV-event was reported in 8.6% of the RA population studied, a figure that was double that reported in the general population (4.3%).
In a second study, the age- and gender- adjusted prevalence odds ratios for CVD were found to be 2.3 for those with type 2 diabetes and 2.0 for those with RA, indicating a similar CVD risk for the two diseases.
Dr. Mike Peters of the VU University Medical Center and Jan van Breemen Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, an investigator in both studies, said, "These two studies suggest that RA should be considered an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. Healthcare professionals treating those with the disease should therefore be aware of this elevated risk and advise their patients to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle and be alert to the early signs and symptoms of CVD in addition to managing their RA."
This article adapted from a press release issued by European League Against Rheumatism.
