Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. The aim of this position paper is to provide Italian rheumatologists with an easy, feasible and time-saving CV risk assessment in their daily clinical practice.
Methods: A narrative review of the literature and an assessment of the methodological strength underlying the current evidence on CV risk assessment in patients with RA were performed. The evidence-based results were shared among the members of the steering committee of the CORDIS study group of the Italian Society of Rheumatology. Subsequently, a unanimously agreed-upon algorithm was discussed and finally approved by the experts.
Results: RA patients should have their CV profile monitored using the Italian 'Progetto Cuore' chart, according to the current EULAR recommendations for CV risk management, at least every 5 years. In the presence of high disease activity, or a multi-drug failure condition, when prolonged treatment with glucocorticoids and/or NSAIDs is required, or if hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or diabetes mellitus are concomitant, a more stringent CV risk assessment should be considered. When moderate CV risk is documented, patients should undergo intima-media thickening measurement. The condition of high CV risk requires a cardiological evaluation.
Conclusions: This position paper provides five Italian recommendations for CV risk assessment in RA patients. A general and uniform approach to CV risk profiling may be useful to identify those patients who should undertake intensive preventive strategies to improve their CV outcomes.