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Managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a challenge in and of itself, but did you know that RA patients also face a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease?1
The risk of certain cardiovascular events can be up to twice as high for RA patients than the general population. While the exact cause behind the elevated cardiovascular risk in RA patients remains unclear, researchers strongly suspect that chronic inflammation plays a major role.1,2
While there’s no single solution to eliminating this risk, biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) offer promising benefits.3 Let’s break down the connection between RA and heart health, explore how inflammation factors into cardiovascular risk, and dive into how bDMARDs can make a difference.
The Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Health
It’s no secret that RA takes a toll on the body, but the impact goes beyond joint pain and stiffness. RA patients are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks and heart failures — and chronic inflammation could be one of the reasons why.
Rheumatoid arthritis is marked by persistent inflammation, which can cause damage to blood vessels if left unchecked. This damage can harm the arteries, making them stiffer and more prone to dysfunction. It can also contribute to the development of atherosclerotic plaques.4
But why is the heart affected? Stiff or damaged arteries and plaque buildup increase heart workload, leading to higher blood pressure and potential heart hypertrophy.4,5 Plaques can narrow arteries, reducing blood flow and causing myocardial ischemia.5 If a plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot, blocking blood flow and possibly leading to a heart attack or stroke.6
Does Inflammation Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Events?
Studies show that chronic inflammation does, in fact, contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. In RA, inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) play a significant role in promoting plaque formation and arterial stiffening.7 As discussed earlier, plaque buildup and arterial damage can lead to cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
Addressing inflammation directly through RA management is vital for minimizing cardiovascular risks.7 This is where bDMARDs come into play, offering a targeted approach to reducing inflammation and, consequently, lowering cardiovascular risk.
How bDMARDs Affect Cardiovascular Risk in RA Patients
Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are designed for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis. These medications, which can include TNF inhibitors and IL-6 inhibitors, not only alleviate joint symptoms but also reduce systemic inflammation.8 Lowering inflammatory markers helps minimize cardiovascular risk.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, bDMARDs could potentially reduce cardiovascular events in RA patients. The study found that bDMARDs lowered the risk of myocardial infractions by 26%, heart failure by 16%, and cardiovascular death by 38%. Overall, patients using bDMARDs were 31% less likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, or sudden cardiac death than those who did not use RA biologic therapies.3
This is likely due to their ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to vascular damage.3
What Are bDMARDs? How Do They Work?
Biologic DMARDs are a class of medications that target molecules involved in the inflammatory process of RA. Unlike traditional DMARDs, which generally suppress the immune system, bDMARDs focus on inflammation markers like TNF, IL-6, and B-cells.8
In addition to reducing RA symptoms, bDMARDs may also lower the risk of cardiovascular complications by reducing systemic inflammation. This dual benefit makes them an integral part of a comprehensive RA management strategy.
Integrating bDMARDs Into a Comprehensive RA Treatment Plan
At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we’re here to support your journey to better health. Our team works closely with you and your primary care doctors to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs, including cardiovascular risk management.
Our state-of-the-art infusion center offers a welcoming environment where you can receive your RA infusion treatments comfortably and safely. We understand that managing rheumatoid arthritis can feel overwhelming, but our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to make the process as smooth as possible.
1https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3890244/
2https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9142998/
3https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8423578/
4https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7610698/
5https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8479854/
6https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534259/
