Alteraciones cardiovasculares en la artritis reumatoide

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory, and usually chronic autoimmune disease. The disease compromises the main joints, mainly the synovial membrane, affecting different structures, such as cartilage, ligaments, and bones. Arthritis can lead to the destruction of the joints, generating gradual disability. Pericarditis, myocarditis, coronary arteritis, conduction defects, and valvulitis are the most common and essential cardiovascular changes caused by this disease, which also manifests in an extra-articular manner. Objective: To determine the cardiovascular alterations in rheumatoid arthritis. Methodology: This document was developed under a literature review scope on cardiovascular alterations in RA. Thus, information was collected by selecting the most relevant data in books and articles from bibliographic sources such as Medigraphic, Elsevier, PubMed, and SciELO. In addition, referential studies on the subject and some clinical practice guidelines were considered. Results: At present, the studies that consider and discuss the cardiovascular alterations of RA are innumerable. Pericarditis is the most common cardiac involvement, manifesting during joint exacerbations with positive RF. Advanced age and high blood pressure are two of the most common risk factors. Patients have twice the risk of myocardial infarction and up to a 50% higher mortality risk. Conclusion: Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered a chronic disease that particularly compromises the joints and, therefore, it is also exponential comorbidity against cardiovascular risks.