Rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac disease

Due to its chronic inflammatory state, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more susceptible to developing atherosclerosis and other nonatherosclerotic cardiac issues. Management of cardiovascular risk factors and prevention of cardiovascular morbidity in RA has now become a key aspect in treating RA patients. It is imperative to evaluate patients with RA even during the early course of the disease for potential cardiac manifestations. In this article, we discuss the cardiac complications that can be seen in RA. We also review disease mechanisms and current recommendations on management of cardiovascular disease in RA.