RA associates with an increased burden of cardiovascular disease, which is at least partially attributed to classical risk factors such as hypertension (HT) and dyslipidaemia. HT is highly prevalent, and seems to be under-diagnosed and under-treated among patients with RA. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that may lead to increased blood pressure in such patients, paying particular attention to commonly used drugs for the treatment of RA. We also suggest screening strategies and management algorithms for HT, specific to the RA population, although it is clear that these need to be formally assessed in prospective randomized controlled trials designed specifically for the purpose, which, unfortunately, are currently lacking.

Absolute 10-year CHD risk was not different between RA and OA patients in this study. Substantial numbers of RA and OA patients have potentially modifiable CHD risk factors present. We suggest that CHD risk should be assessed and modifiable risk factors addressed in the routine rheumatology clinic setting.

Hypertension and its cause may be missed by failure to measure blood pressure in both arms. We report a case of Takayasu's arteritis where diagnostic confusion

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Background An increased frequency of insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidemia has been identified in inflammatory arthritis (IA). These metabolic disturbances may be attributable to disease activity and therefore were implicated in the excess cardiovascular disease morality as reported in IA. Objectives In the present study we evaluated insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, as well as the potential role of the acute