The Evaluation of Cardiovascular Parameters in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and multi-systemic disease with an unknown origin that is associated with inflammation and impairment of the immune system. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate cardiovascular parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: In this descriptive study, 112 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who had been diagnosed for at least six months, were studied. A questionnaire containing demographic data by the researcher using the interview was completed and measuring the cardiovascular parameters was done. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and appropriate statistical tests. Results: Based on the body mass index mean (27.98), the patients under study were overweight; in addition, serum levels of glucose 107.55 ± 38.47, total cholesterol 209.90 ± 37.90, LDL 129.28 ± 30.60 and systolic 145.75 ± 16.23, and diastolic 78.46 ± 11.91, blood pressure in these patients did not have normal distribution. Conclusions: The risk of cardiovascular disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is considerable due to the increase in body mass index, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, and blood pressure; therefore, screening of at-risk people is recommended.