Rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease: what do we know about this relationship and how can we treat affected patients nowadays?

Abstract

The interest in auto-immune diseases has been grown, mainly about cardiovascular illnesses. Rheumatoid arthritis has been considered an independent risk factor for coronary arterial disease in last years. Recently, different studies have been performed in order to better clarify crucial points in risk stratification and correct treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. New specific therapies have been studying and promising reduction of cardiovascular risk. Thereby, we made a bibliographic revision to show the importance of atherosclerotic and inflammatory mechanisms in coronary artery disease. Furthermore, we suggested different strategies to establish risk stratification and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.