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Editorial
. 2012 Mar 12;14(2):105.
doi: 10.1186/ar3733.

Implication of new atherosclerotic carotid plaques in the cardiovascular outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Miguel A González-Gay, Carlos González-Juanatey
Editorial

Implication of new atherosclerotic carotid plaques in the cardiovascular outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Miguel A González-Gay et al. Arthritis Res Ther. .

Abstract

Early detection of atherosclerosis is of major importance to reduce the increased incidence of cardiovascular (CV) complications observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Prospective studies have shown that an abnormally increased carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of plaques assessed by carotid ultrasound are good markers to predict the development of CV events in these patients. Age, classic CV risk factors, and corticosteroid use are also predictors of new plaque formation in patients with RA. Active treatment of the disease may decrease the inflammatory burden, leading to a reduction in the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in these patients.

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References

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