[Chronic inflammation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to atherosclerosis. This cannot be explained by an increased presence of traditional risk factors but seems to depend on inflammatory mechanisms. The association of inflammatory pathways with atherosclerosis is complex, and more research is required to optimise preventative measures against cardiovascular complications in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.