Source: J Rheumatol  |  Posted 9 years ago

Slight increases in the systolic blood pressure of patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause thousands of additional cardiovascular and stroke events, according to a recent American study.

It is well known that even small increases in blood pressure are associated with an increased rate of cardiovascular events. This is of particular significance to patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have a high baseline risk of serious thrombotic cardiovascular events

This problem may be exacerbated in patients taking anti-inflammatory therapies that can cause loss of blood pressure control. The true impact however remains unknown due to lack of epidemiological study.

Mason W. Russell and colleagues from Medical Research International, Massachusetts, United States, estimated the prevalence of ischaemic heart disease and stroke in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with specific analysis of effects of increased systolic blood pressure in this population. This study was sponsored by Pfizer, Inc.

Of the 30 million Americans over the age of 35 with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, about 11.8 million (39%) are being treated with anti-hypertensive drugs, which could potentially cause increased risk of blood pressure control loss.

Within the entire population of patients with arthritis, a slight increase in systolic blood pressure of 1 mm Hg would lead to an estimated 7,100 additional ischaemic heart disease and stroke events per year, costing the United States healthcare system an estimated $114 million.

Mr. Russell emphasized "the value and importance of routine blood pressure monitoring in patients with arthritis who are receiving medications known to increase blood pressure." He further highlighted the significance of the physicians' responsibility to "accurately weigh the potential risks of these medications against their benefits."