Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in Cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with High Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) (Code-T0330)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting 
the joints but also contributing to systemic inflammation, which increases the risk of 
cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality in 
RA patients due to chronic inflammation and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Despite this, 
CAD often remains underdiagnosed in RA patients. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence 
of CAD in RA patients with a high risk of CVD. 
Aims and Objectives 
1. To study the Prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in cases of  rheumatoid 
arthritis (RA) with high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). 
Objectives  
1. Study the Prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in cases of  rheumatoid arthritis 
(RA)  
2. To identify RA related factors associated with CAD in RA  
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study includes 100 RA patients aged 18–70 years, 
diagnosed according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria. Patients with known CVD, diabetes, 
dyslipidemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or pregnancy were excluded. Lifetime CVD 
risk was calculated using the ESC CVD calculator, and those with a risk >5% underwent further 
cardiovascular evaluations, including ECG, 2D echocardiography, stress tests, and coronary 
angiography when indicated. 
Results: The study is expected to reveal a significant prevalence of CAD in RA patients with 
high CVD risk, with associations between disease activity and cardiovascular involvement. 
Conclusion: RA patients with elevated CVD risk should undergo routine cardiovascular 
screening to facilitate early detection and management of CAD. Proactive interventions may help 
reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in RA. 
Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, 
Inflammation, Atherosclerosis, Echocardiography.