[PP.20.15] RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are considered to be the leading cause of mortality and are usually caused by atherosclerosis. Accelerated atherosclerosis is confirmed in several rheumatic diseases including Rheumatoid arthritis. Impact of traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis is well known. Results of numerous studies point out the importance of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis and maintaining the stability of atherosclerotic plaque. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis existence of chronic inflammation is an independent risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis. Design and method: To determine the frequency of traditional and non-traditional risk factors for development of cardiovascular diseases in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis ESR(an erythrocyte sedimentation rate), C-reactive protein CRP, fibrinogen, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure RR, rheumatoid factor RF, blood glucose level, gender distribution, age, disease activity DAS 28 score were determined. Results: In the study group the mean age was 63.4 years, the percentage of females was 80%, ESR in the first hour was 60.1 mm, CRP 31.2 mg/l; cholesterol 5.41 mmol/l; triglycerides 2.76 mmol/l; RF 276; fibrinogen 5.12 g/l; Blood sugar 6.8 mmol/l, RR 140/90 mmHg; DAS 28 score of 6.4. Conclusions: The presence of traditional and non-traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis leads to the development of accelerated atherosclerosis and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in these patients.