Key result
Rheumatoid factor linked to ~210% greater IHD risk in men.
Why the study?
Subjects with rheumatoid arthritis have increased prevalence of ischaemic heart disease, likely related to the autoantibody rheumatoid factor, which is also present in the general population.
Is the presence of rheumatoid factor an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease in the general population?
Population
567 men and 589 women from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study
Comparison
Presence of rheumatoid factor vs absence of rheumatoid factor
Design
Cohort study
Authors
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May flag higher IHD risk in men; leaves open incremental value and need for prospective validation before practice change.
Cohort (n=1,156)
Is the presence of rheumatoid factor an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease in the general population?
Odds Ratio: 3.1 (95% CI 1.7–5.4)
p-value: p=<0.001
Rheumatoid factor is an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease in men, suggesting a role for inflammation and autoimmune processes in atherosclerosis.
Edwards et al. (2007) conducted a cohort in Ischaemic heart disease (n=1,156). Rheumatoid factor (RF) vs. Absence of RF was evaluated on Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7 to 5.4, p=<0.001). The presence of rheumatoid factor was associated with an increased likelihood of ischaemic heart disease in men (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.7 to 5.4; p<0.001), independent of traditional risk factors.
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