Hypertension and insulin resistance in rheumatoid arthritis: unveiling insights with mets-ir index

Abstract

Aim: Hypertension (HT), together with metabolic dysfunctions and insulin resistance (IR) in its pathophysiology, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Identifying IR early could enhance HT management, especially in RA patients, where HT prevalence is elevated. The study aimed to assess metabolic indices, particularly the METS-IR, as predictors of HT in RA patients. Material and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study investigated the association between RA, IR, and HT in 80 RA patients and 80 age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or other conditions affecting insulin sensitivity were excluded, as were those on glucose-metabolism-affecting medications except low-dose glucocorticoids (