Features of dyslipidemia and its influence on endothelium functional state in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and arterial hypertension

Abstract

Purpose of the study. Was to identify the features of blood lipid spectrum and endothelium functional state in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and arterial hypertension (AH). Materials and methods. 83 patients were examined (40 with RA combined with AH, 23 with RA and 20 with AH). The blood lipid spectrum and endothelial function were studied in all patients. Results. The analysis of blood serum lipid parameters demonstrated that in patients with RA, regardless of the presence of AH, there was a significant increase of proatherogenic lipid profile parameters in comparison with those in healthy subjects. It was shown, that lower concentrations of high-density lipoproteins and higher atherogenic coefficient indices was a characteristic feature of the lipid profile in RA patients both with and without AH – in contrast to the same parameters of the lipid spectrum in patients with AH without RA. In the groups of patients with RA a significant increase of the brachial artery diameter at rest and decreased indices of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and endothelium-independent vasodilation were revealed. Subjects with RA in combination with AH had significantly lower indices according to the tests with both reactive hyperemia and nitroglycerin, while in patients with RA without AH, only NG-test was significantly lower. Conclusion. Dyslipidemia of atherogenic type and endothelial dysfunction develops at the initial stages of rheumatoid process and depends on the activity of the inflammatory process, the presence of extra-articular manifestations and rheumatoid factor seropositivity.