Inflamed Joints and Stiff Arteries

atients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular events, with an estimated 70% excess mortality rate that can be ascribed to cardiovascular causes in up to 50% of cases. 1,2 A 3-fold-increased adjusted risk of myocardial infarction has been reported, particularly in subjects with longer disease duration. This has prompted recommendations that RA be considered an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. 2 Mechanisms underlying this increased susceptibility remain uncertain and range from exposure to traditional cardiovascular risk factors to enhanced inflammation and oxidative stress emanating from the synovium leading to early vascular disease, 4 and extend to adverse cardiovascular effects of medications.