Heart damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The article presents data on heart damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), features of the development of ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease with a significant increase in the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Patients with RA are characterized by an increased risk of developing myocardial infarction, heart failure, rhythm disturbances, sudden cardiac death, and general cardiovascular death. The possibility of a fairly rapid development of myocardial dysfunction in patients with RA from the moment of manifestation of the disease, the development and progression of atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries is emphasized, and with the development of coronary artery disease in RA patients, the worst survival rate after a heart attack was established. The available evidence suggests that rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that makes a significant contribution to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.