Evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects people all over the world. RA is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease. It primarily affects the joints and is frequently accompanied by extra-articular symptoms such as rheumatoid nodules, neuropathy, and normochromic normocytic anaemia. Objectives- The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac autonomic function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compare with healthy individuals. An observational, cross-sectional study was done between 50 having RA & 50 normal healthy subjects not on any medication, on both males & females between the age group of 30-60 years. Evaluation of autonomic nervous system was done with the help of non-invasive tests. Parasympathetic system was assessed by heart rate response to standing & heart rate response to lying down position. Sympathetic system was assessed by blood pressure response to standing, BP response to Valsalva Maneuverer & BP response to sustained hand grip. In individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the diastolic blood pressure in standing position was significantly lower(p<0.01) than control group. Other parameters showed non- significant changes in RA group compared to control group. Discussion- study confirmed autonomic dysfunction occurs in patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, autonomic function may be the part of routine clinical examination in RA to reduce the cardiovascular autonomic morbidity Cardiovascular autonomic function tests in daily clinical examination helpful in early detection of autonomic dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis.