The effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the risk of heart failure: mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment approaches

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure due to chronic inflammation, which plays a central role in its pathogenesis. In patients with RA, myocardial dysfunction may remain subclinical, while heart failure is often presented in a form with a persistent ejection fraction. The article discusses the main mechanisms of heart failure in patients with RA, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. There are significant problems with the diagnosis of heart failure, especially against the background of the introduction of modern treatment methods that can improve disease outcomes and quality of life. Early and targeted treatment of inflammatory processes is of paramount importance. However, further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms underlying this relationship, as well as to evaluate treatment strategies. Future studies may identify biomarkers predicting the risk of heart failure, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory interventions in the prevention and treatment of this pathology in patients with RA.