[PP.36.01] TRADITIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS ARE MAJOR FACTORS IN ACCELERATION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN ARTHRITIS PATIENTS. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dalbeni, A.; Mazzon, M.; Orsolini, G.; Giollo, A.; Cioffi, G.; Ognibeni, F.; Rossini, M.; Fava, C.; Viapiana, O.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 34:(2016) Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000492327.76275.b3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathy have an increased incidence of cardiovascular events (CV) due to acceleration of atherosclerosis. The echo-color Doppler examination of the carotid arteries can be useful in detection of pre-clinical atherosclerosis, such as intimal-medial thickness (IMT) and carotid segmental distensibility (DC), indices of subclinical atherosclerosis. As a whole the echo-color Doppler of the carotid arteries could allow a better stratification of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic arthritis and may have immediate clinical utility. The aim of the study was to evaluate in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques, and the values of carotid DC and IMT, comparing them with a population of healthy subjects. Design and method: The series consists of 219 subjects, including 163 patients with arthritis and 56 healthy volunteers, who did not have a history of CV events. All subjects were enrolled at the operating unit complex of Rheumatology of Verona in the period from March 2014 to October 2015. The patients were examined by echo-color Doppler of the carotid arteries to detect atheromatous plaques and the values of carotid IMT and DC. Results: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis don't showed a IMT significantly increased compared to the population of healthy subjects (mean ± SD patients vs. controls 0, 78 ± 0.20 s 0, 73 ± 0, 19, p = 0.074) but have an increased frequency of carotid plaques than controls (37% vs 20%; p = 0.020). No differences were found for DC in the two groups. The association have however shown that the differences are due primarily to age and traditional cardiovascular risk factors rather than to inflammation, disease state or anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusions: Our study found the association between arthritis and chronic subclinical atherosclerosis emphasizing that the classic cardiovascular risk factors, potentially present in higher prevalence in this population, are major factors in the acceleration of this process. In patients with chronic arthritis it's fundamental to be aggressive in identifying these factors to counteract quickly and effectively their deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system.