1 Aug 2023 • In a cohort study, researchers examined the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and aortic stenosis (AS) development. The study included 73,070 patients with RA matched with 639,268 patients without RA.

The researchers defined aortic stenosis based on specific diagnostic and procedural codes and assessed the risk using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The results showed that patients with RA had a higher risk of developing AS compared to those without RA.

The incidence rate of AS was 3.97 per 1000 person-years in patients with RA and 2.45 per 1000 person-years in the control group. Rheumatoid arthritis was associated with an increased risk of composite AS, aortic valve intervention, and AS-related death.

The study suggests that there may be a link between RA and a higher risk of developing AS, as well as subsequent risks related to AS, such as the need for aortic valve intervention and AS-related death. Further research is needed to confirm whether valvular heart disease, specifically AS, might be a less recognized cardiovascular complication in individuals with RA.

Source: JAMA | Read full story