Strategies for implementation of guideline recommended cardiovascular risk management for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a questionnaire survey of expert rheumatology centers

Abstract

The aim was to study the different strategies used to implement cardiovascular risk evaluation and management for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in daily clinical practice. A questionnaire survey was performed among both the members of the international TransAtlantic Cardiovascular Risk Consortium for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ATACC-RA) as well as the Survey of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVD-RF) in patients with RA (SURF-RA) group. The questionnaire included 18 questions with the overarching topics: (1) organization and responsibility of cardiovascular risk management (CVRM); (2) screening of CVD-RFs; (3) overview current CVRM status; and (4) availability of data regarding CVRM. Based on the answers, two researchers (JW, PR) independently categorized the different strategies. Thirteen out of 27 rheumatology centers responded to the questionnaire. One rheumatology center did not have organized CVRM for their RA patients. Among the other centers, three strategies to organize CVRM in daily practice were distinguished: (1) the rheumatologist performs CVRM during outpatient visits (n = 6); (2) cardiologists and rheumatologists cooperate in a cardio-rheuma-clinic/team with different tasks and responsibilities (n = 3); and (3) the general practitioner screens and intervenes on CVD-RFs (n = 3). Each CVRM strategy was based on agreements between medical professionals and was also dependent on the national healthcare system and available financial resources. Three strategies were identified for CVRM implementation in daily clinical practice based on who is primarily responsible for performing CVRM. More research is warranted to compare their relative merits and effectiveness in relation to CVRM.

Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an international audit

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Clinical and Serological Associations of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Spondyloarthropathy

“…20 The higher burden of SCA in Indian patients with SpA is a matter of concern, particularly because cardiovascular risk factor management is often sidelined in busy outpatient clinics. 21 Rheumatologists should be aware of the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in Indian patients with SpA and manage cardiovascular risk factors better.…”