Study of Dyslipidemia and Cardio Vascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the commonest inflammatory arthritis and is commonly associated with various metabolic abnormalities including dyslipidemia which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In this study 90 patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis (65 Females 25 males) aged between 35 to 60 years were included and compared with controlled (normal) group. The lipid profile study in RA patients and controlled group was compared. Mean total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglyceride levels 158.1, 187.5, 39.8 191.4 respectively were higher than normal in our study with a high significant p values (p<0.01) for all these parameters. The mean HDL level in this study was lower (23.80) as compared to normal subject with a significant p value of < 0.01. Mean value of DBP (diastolic BP) in RA patients was 85.2 in controlled group 82.0 and p value was significant (p<0.01). Mean value of SBP (systolic BP) in RA patients was 139.8 and in controlled group 131.6 (p<0.01). The associated clinical manifestations were 20(22%) had angina, 7(7.7%) had MI, 27(30%) had diabetes mellitus, 17(18.8%) had IHD, 19(21.1%) were obese. This study of abnormal lipid profile in RA patients will be quite useful to evaluate and predict the risk factors for cardio vascular events in RA patients and to improve morbidity and mortality in such patients.