ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by itself causes an increment in the frequency of cardiovascular (CV) cases independent of the traditional risk factors. Atherosclerosis is more prevalent in RA in comparison with the general population. The cells and the cytokines which play a role in the pathogenesis of RA increase the risk and progression of atherosclerosis. The attainment of low disease activity is essential for decreasing the risk of CV case. Risk identification should be done in all of the patients with RA and these risks should be reviewed in case of modification of treatment. CV risk factors should be decreased by pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in addition to the strict control of the disease activity.