Examining the association between rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease in middle-age and older adult populations in Canada

Project Summary

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects approximately 1.2% of Canadians; it is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. RA is associated with various comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death in patients with RA. Patients with CVD are at a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population. This project will investigate the incidence and potential risk factors of CVD in middle-aged and older adults with RA in Canada.