Healthcare providers' awareness and knowledge of recommendations on cardiovascular risk management in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a survey study.

OBJECTIVES

Patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) have increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) issued CV risk management recommendations in 2015/2016 and 2022, but healthcare providers' (HCPs') awareness and their implementation in clinical practice are unknown. This study aims to assess HCP awareness of the EULAR CV recommendations and barriers to their implementation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was distributed via social media to all HCPs involved in treating patients with RMDs. Data on demographics, awareness of the 2015/2016 and 2022 recommendations, and perceived implementation barriers were collected. The survey was endorsed by the EULAR Study Group on Cardiovascular Involvement in Inflammatory Arthritis.

RESULTS

Of 226 complete responses, 54% were hospital rheumatologists and 36% had 5 to 15 years of experience. Overall, 67% knew both recommendation sets. Knowledge scores were higher among those aware of both recommendations compared with those who knew neither. Most respondents (83%) recognised that platelet inhibitors are not recommended for primary prevention; only 8% identified the role of low systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity. Nearly all (96%) endorsed corticosteroid minimisation. Half viewed rheumatologists as primarily responsible for CV risk management; 16% knew the 1.5 multiplication factor for rheumatoid arthritis risk scoring. None correctly noted that antihypertensives and statins can be used as in the general population. Barriers included time constraints (62%), insufficient knowledge (37%), and lack of local protocols (14%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite moderate awareness of EULAR CV recommendations, substantial knowledge gaps and practical barriers persist, indicating the need for focused education and improved clinical pathways to enhance CV risk management in RMD care.