Mixed
Chronic inflammation in RA and PsA contributes to increased CVD risk, but the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) alone may not fully account for this risk, particularly in RA where MetS prevalence is similar to the general population.
Having RA or PsA increases your CVD risk beyond just traditional factors like blood pressure or cholesterol. This is partly due to chronic inflammation. Therefore, comprehensive care should address both metabolic risks (like MetS components) and inflammatory control, not just one or the other.
In summary, while chronic inflammation may link PsA and RA with an increased CVD risk, the prevalence of MetS alone may not account for this, particularly in RA where the prevalence of MetS was comparable to the background population.
Why this rating
Based on systematic reviews and hospital-based studies cited, but notes 'lack of good-quality evidence' for risk reduction.
Source
Metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis: Managing cardiovascular risk
Milan K. Piya · International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases · 2021
DOI 10.1111/1756-185x.14197
More from this paper
- EULAR guidelines recommend early and aggressive screening and management of traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and metabolic syndrome components for all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Moderate
- Significant weight loss (approx. 15% body weight) via once-weekly subcutaneous injections (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) or bariatric surgery is an achievable and effective option for reducing CVD risk and improving glycemia in patients with RA or PsA, although evidence for disease activity improvement is mixed.Moderate
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