Metabolic Abnormalities, Cardiovascular Disease, and Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Current Perspectives and Clinical Implications

AIM: Rheumatoid arthritis is a prevalent worldwide disease, associated with an increased risk of multiple metabolic abnormalities that generate a higher disease burden. OBJECTIVE: To gather the available evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, current perspectives, clinical implications and prognosis of metabolic abnormalities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: This is a narrative literature review. Search was conducted in PubMed, OVID, and Taylor & Francis databases, using the following MeSH terms: “Arthritis Rheumatoid”, “Metabolic Diseases”, and “Metabolic Syndrome”. RESULTS: This study describes the main metabolic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Research has recognized that rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic abnormalities share pathophysiological mechanisms with an additive effect that increases cardiovascular risk. In that context, appropriate antirheumatic treatment can also impact on cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: There are metabolic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis patients that increase cardiovascular risk. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate cardiovascular risk to provide appropriate comprehensive management to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with this disease.