Rheumatoid diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The early signs of cardiovascular disease therefore need to be recognized in these patients so that effective cardiovascular protection can be introduced. In this Review the authors discuss validated techniques that are currently available to determine subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatic conditions.
- György Kerekes
- Pál Soltész
- Zoltán Szekanecz