[Rheumatoid arthritis--a risk factor of ischemic heart disease].

BACKGROUND

Traditional treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has been directed against joint damage, not against increased cardiovascular morbidity.

METHODS

The article is based on a search in Medline, bibliography of relevant articles, abstracts from congresses of rheumatology, and discussions with experts.

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Rheumatoid arthritis is an independent predictor for coronary artery disease, the main cause of premature mortality in rheumatoid patients. Cardiovascular prophylaxis in rheumatoid arthritis should be prioritised. Treatments of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and of inflammation both seem to be important in reducing cardiovascular morbidity. Insight in accelerated atherosclerosis in inflammatory rheumatic diseases may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis generally.