Which CVD Risk Factors Are Associated With Arterial Function in RA Patients?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and disease characteristics are likely related to arterial function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, a recent study found.

In their study, the researchers used multivariable backward regression models to analyze the relationships of traditional CVD risk factors and RA characteristics with arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), wave reflection (augmentation index, reflected wave pressure, reflection magnitude), and pressure pulsatility (central systolic and pulse pressure, peripheral pulse pressure, pulse pressure amplification, forward wave pressure).
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The researchers evaluated these factors in 177 RA patients who did not have CVD. Demographic information indicated that a total of 118 patients were white, 32 were Asian, 22 were black, and 5 were of mixed ancestry.

The results showed 37% (pulse wave velocity) to 71% (reflected wave pressure) of the variability in arterial function. RA duration, rheumatoid factor status, leukocyte counts, and total cholesterol were factors associated with wave reflection and pressure pulsatility.

In addition, body mass index and insulin resistance were associated with reduced wave reflection and peripheral pulse pressure. Exercise was linked to increased pulse pressure amplification, whereas alcohol consumption was linked to decreased peripheral pulse pressure.

Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibition and reduced pulse wave velocity were related, and tetracycline use was linked to decreased peripheral pulse pressure.

“Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease characteristics are consistently associated with vascular hemodynamic alterations in RA,” the researchers concluded. “The relative effect of arterial stiffness, wave reflection, and pressure pulsatility on CVD risk in RA needs further study.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Gunter S, Robinson C, Norton GR, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors and disease characteristics are consistently associated with arterial function in rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2017;44(6). doi:10.3899/jrheum.170029.