An international audit of the management of dyslipidaemia and
hypertension in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from 19
countries
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Abstract
Aims To assess differences in estimated cardiovascular disease (CVD)
risk among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from different world
regions and to evaluate the management and goal attainment of lipids and
blood pressure (BP). Methods and results The survey of CVD risk factors
in patients with RA was conducted in 14 503 patients from 19 countries
during 2014-19. The treatment goal for BP was <140/90 mmHg. CVD risk
prediction and lipid goals were according to the 2016 European
guidelines. Overall, 21% had a very high estimated risk of CVD, ranging
from 5% in Mexico, 15% in Asia, 19% in Northern Europe, to 31% in
Central and Eastern Europe and 30% in North America. Of the 52% with
indication for lipid-lowering treatment (LLT), 44% were using LLT. The
lipid goal attainment was 45% and 18% in the high and very high risk
groups, respectively. Use of statins in monotherapy was 24%, while 1%
used statins in combination with other LLT. Sixty-two per cent had
hypertension and approximately half of these patients were at BP goal.
The majority of the patients used antihypertensive treatment in
monotherapy (24%), while 10% and 5% as a two- or three-drug
combination. Conclusion We revealed considerable geographical
differences in estimated CVD risk and preventive treatment. Low goal
attainment for LLT was observed, and only half the patients obtained BP
goal. Despite a high focus on the increased CVD risk in RA patients over
the last decade, there is still substantial potential for improvement in
CVD preventive measures