Impaired coronary microvascular function and increased intima-media thickness in rheumatoid arthritis

Ciftci O., Yilmaz S., Topcu S., Caliskan M., Gullu H., Erdogan D., ...More

ATHEROSCLEROSIS, vol.198, no.2, pp.332-337, 2008 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 198 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.11.013
  • Journal Name: ATHEROSCLEROSIS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.332-337
  • Keywords: coronary microvascular function, rheumatoid arthritis, IMT, CFR, RA disease duration, FLOW RESERVE, CARDIOVASCULAR MORBIDITY, DISEASE, MORTALITY, ATHEROSCLEROSIS, DYSFUNCTION, MECHANISMS

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with excessive cardiovascular mortality. Recently, some studies have shown endothelial dysfunction in RA patients with high inflammatory activity. In addition, it has been suggested that the chronic inflammatory state of RA contributes to accelerated atherosclerosis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether coronary microvascular dysfunction and increased carotid artery intima-media thickness exist in patients with a long history and well controlled disease activity of RA lacking traditional cardiovascular risk factors.