Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part B (2021)

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease known to affect extra-articular organs, including the cardiovascular system. This study was undertaken to assess both symptomatic and subclinical cardiac involvement in patients with RA.

Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months period at the Department of General Medicine, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. A total of 150 RA patients fulfilling ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria were evaluated. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hypertension were excluded. All participants underwent clinical assessment, ECG, echocardiography, and relevant laboratory tests. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results: Out of 150 patients, 34.7% (n=52) demonstrated cardiac abnormalities. Pericardial effusion (34.6%) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (28.8%) were the most common findings. Valvular abnormalities, pulmonary hypertension, and conduction defects were also noted. Longer disease duration correlated positively with cardiac manifestations. RF and anti-CCP positive individuals showed a higher prevalence of cardiovascular involvement. ECG changes were observed in 16% of patients, while echocardiography detected structural or functional changes in 34.7%.

Conclusion: Cardiac involvement is prevalent in RA patients and often remains clinically silent. The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating routine cardiovascular screening, particularly echocardiography and ECG, into RA patient management, especially in those with longstanding disease or seropositive profiles.