Rheumatology Advisor interviewed HSS rheumatologist Vivian P. Bykerk, BSc, MD, FRCPC, about managing cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid cachexia.

According to Dr. Bykerk, all patients with very active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will have similar shifts in body composition, including reduced muscle mass and increased central obesity associated with metabolic changes, potentially placing them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). If a patient has well-controlled disease and lipids are still high, adding a statin may be effective in reducing this risk.

Patients ideally should participate in physical rehabilitation, working to increase their strength, stamina, and exercise capacity. By being more active, they can self-manage and potentially reduce risks for common RA-associated comorbid conditions, including osteoporosis and CVD, she added.

Read the full article at rheumatologyadvisor.com.