What is the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and co-morbidity in patients with rheumatic diseases?

Analysis of national data from the health ministry programme of reduction of the cardiovascular risks (2002-2005) shows a high frequency of cardiovasculor disease and cardiovascular risk factors in the general population. It is of interest to analyse these data in relation to the practice of rheumotology In addition, the frequency of cardiovascular pathologies is higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondylorthropathy These notions ore also very important since these two populations are often treated with non-steroid(71 anti-inflammatory drugs for a long duration. General knowledge shown in this article concerning the Cardiovascular risk factors and co-morbidities in the patients with rheumatic pathologies allows, within the context of a therapeutic decisionol strategy in rheumotology a better estimation of the individual benefit/risk ratio of each prescription and more particularly that of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.