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

Ciftci, Ozgur; Yilmaz, Sema; Topcu, Semra; Caliskan, MUSTAFA; Gullu, Hakan; Erdogan, Dogan; Pamuk, Baris; Yildirir, Aylin; Muderrisoglu, Haldun

doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.11.013

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 (Journal Indexed in SCI)

Publication Type: Article / Article
Volume: 198 Issue: 2
Publication Date: 2008
Doi Number: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.11.013
Title of Journal : ATHEROSCLEROSIS
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.