This information is for anyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) including people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Research is ongoing into the affect of inflammation on the heart
The evidence for increased cardiovascular (CV) risk is stronger for rheumatoid arthritis than it is for axial SpA.
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has issued guidelines for CV risk management in patients with RA, AS and psoriatic arthritis. They have issued these guidelines because they believe there is a relationship between disease activity and CV disease which highlights the important role of tight disease control.
EULAR guidelines say axial SpA may be a condition in which cardiovascular risk is increased
In order to lower cardiovascular risk:
- Your axial SpA should be well controlled
- Your cardiovascular risk should be evaluated by your GP and, if necessary, medications such as cholesterol lowering drugs and blood pressure lowering drugs should be used
In order to lower your risk of having a cardiovascular event you should:
- Keep your weight at a healthy level
- Have a balanced, healthy diet
- Keep physically active
- Do not smoke
- Ensure your alcohol intake is moderate
- Have a regular check up with your GP to monitor your risk
