Frequency of dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, chronic and systemic disease characterized by a progressive functional deterioration. Cardiovascular disease associated with atherosclerotic events is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with RA. Objective: to determine the frequency of dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with RA who consult the Day Hospital of the National Hospital of Itauguá in the period January 2018-March 2018. Material and Method: descriptive observational study of transverse section. We included 45 patients with RA who were determined serum lipid profile. The results were classified according to the modified report in 2004 of the Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III). In addition, the activity of the disease, the body mass index, the associated cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sedentary lifestyle, use of corticosteroids) were determined. DEL NACIONAL Rev. Nac. (Itauguá) 2018;10(2):093-104 doi: 10.18004/rdn2018.010.02.093-104 Results: 45 patients were included, 36 women (80%), 9 males (20%), 48 ± 14 mean age, 54.8 ± 64 months mean disease time, 27 (60%) inactive arthritis, 18 active arthritis (60%). 40%). CRP presented mean 1.6 ± 2.7 mg / dL, mean erythrocytes 28.5 ± 18.7 mm / 1 ° h, dyslipidemia 17 (38%), mean total cholesterol 189 ± 42.3 mg / dL, hypercholesterolemia 16 (36%), average LDL-C of 97 mg / dL, HDL-C mean 44.5 mg / dL, HDL-c low 18 (40%), mean triglycerides 140 mg / dL, hypertriglyceridemia 11 (25%), mean glycemia 95 mg / dL. They had high blood pressure 11 (24.4%), diabetes mellitus 2 (4.4%), use of corticosteroids 24 (55%), average daily dose of prednisone 10 mg, sedentary lifestyle 28 (65%), mean BMI 27 ± 6 , 2 k / m2, overweight 13 (29%), obesity 10 (22%). The activity of the disease was not statistically significant with dyslipidemia (p 0.6) but the use of prednisone was statistically significant in relation to the presence of low HDL-c. Conclusion: the frequency of dyslipidemia was 38%, the main associated risk factors were sedentary lifestyle and overweight / obesity.