Table 1.

EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular risk assessment and management [Peters et al. 2010].

1. RA is associated with greater risk for CVD

2. The control of the disease activity is imperative for lowering the CVR

3. Cardiovascular risk assessment according to national guidelines, annually or whenever the antirheumatic treatment changes, is necessary for all patients with RA

4. Risk score models should be adapted for RA patients after the multiplication by a factor of 1.5 if two of the three following criteria are fulfilled: Disease duration >10 years RF or ACPA positivity Extra-articular manifestations

5. When the SCORE model is applied the TC/HDL ratio should be used

6. Pharmacological treatments should follow the national guidelines

7. Statins, ACE inhibitors/A-II blockers are the first treatment options

8. The effect of NSAIDs and coxibs on the CVR is not well established. Caution is required when prescribing them, especially for patients with documented CVD or at high CVR

9. The lowest dose possible of corticosteroids is advised

10. Smoking cessation is recommended

ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; ACPA, anticitrullinated protein antibody; CVD, cardiovascular disease; CVR, cardiovascular risk; HDL, high density lipoprotein; NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; RF, rheumatoid factor; TC, total cholesterol.