Cardiovascular risk factors predate the onset of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: a nested case–control study

摘要

BackgroundPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of factors related to CVD, such as smoking, lipid levels, hypertension, body mass index (BMI) and diabetes, in individuals prior to the onset of symptoms of RA.