Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Rheumatoid Arthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication.

Systemic inflammation as a risk factor for atherothrombosis.

van Leuven SI, Franssen R, Kastelein JJ, Levi M, Stroes ES, Tak PP

Academic Medical Center, Department of Vascular Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.i.vanleuven@amc.uva.nl

Several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and chronic infections that are associated with a chronic inflammatory state, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular mortality is a major cause of death in patients with these disorders. Direct effects and indirect sequelae of systemic inflammation promote atherothrombotic vascular disease. Pathophysiological processes promoting atherogenesis can initiate years before the diagnosis of a chronic inflammatory disease is made, and since exposure to risk factors in this pre-clinical phase is widespread, early cardiovascular protection in these patients seems warranted.

Published 13 December 2007 in Rheumatology (Oxford), 47(1): 3-7.
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