Screening and Management of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Inflammatory Arthritis: A Comprehensive Approach for the Rheumatologist

Authors

  • Shadi Akhtari, MD, MSc Division of Cardiology, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Bindee Kuriya, MD, SM Division of Rheumatology, Sinai Health System, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/crt.2024.1251

Abstract

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Early identification and treatment of conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are pivotal in mitigating ASCVD risk among the IA population. Equally crucial is the proactive management of inflammatory disease, necessitating a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits, particularly regarding the use of some advanced therapeutic agents indicated for IA, which may carry an increased risk of CVD in high‑risk subgroups. 

This article reviews the current evidence for optimal CVD screening in IA. We underscore the importance of a holistic approach that incorporates conventional risk assessment tools, biomarkers, imaging techniques, and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Author Biographies

Shadi Akhtari, MD, MSc, Division of Cardiology, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Akhtari is a staff cardiologist at Women’s College Hospital, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, and a Clinician in Quality and Innovation, University of Toronto. She specializes in advanced cardiac imaging. Apart from clinical practice of general cardiology and multi-modality cardiac imaging, her other areas of interest are prevention, diagnosis, and management of coronary artery disease, particularly in those with underlying inflammatory disease. She runs the cardio-rheumatology clinic at WCH, directed at improving quality of cardiac care offered to patients with rheumatic disease.

Bindee Kuriya, MD, SM, Division of Rheumatology, Sinai Health System, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Kuriya is an expert in rheumatoid arthritis, and her research primarily focuses on important co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease. She is a member of the University of Toronto’s Cardio-Rheum Program, which is aimed at primary CVD prevention for patients living with inflammatory arthritis.

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Published

2024-09-17

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1.
Akhtari S, Kuriya B. Screening and Management of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Inflammatory Arthritis: A Comprehensive Approach for the Rheumatologist. Can Rheumatol Today [Internet]. 2024 Sep. 17 [cited 2024 Nov. 14];1(2):30–40. Available from: https://canadianrheumatologytoday.com/article/view/1-2-Akhtari_et_al

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Volume 1, Issue 2, Summer 2024

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