DNA and artery graphic representing genetic links to heart health.

Decoding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Are Your Genes to Blame for Subclinical Atherosclerosis?

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the hidden genetic links behind rheumatoid arthritis and its connection to early heart disease risk."

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just joint pain; it's a systemic autoimmune disease that significantly elevates the risk of cardiovascular issues. While the link between RA and heart problems has been well-documented, the precise reasons behind this connection remain a puzzle. Recent research is diving deep into the role of genetics, seeking to understand if inherited factors might predispose individuals with RA to develop subclinical atherosclerosis (SA), a precursor to more severe heart conditions.

Subclinical atherosclerosis refers to the early stages of plaque buildup in the arteries, often without noticeable symptoms. Identifying SA is crucial because it allows for early intervention and lifestyle changes that can slow or even reverse the progression of heart disease. But what if your genes are silently stacking the odds against you?

A new study published in Rheumatology International has explored the genetic landscape of SA in RA patients, specifically focusing on individuals of Polish descent. The study aimed to determine whether common genetic risk factors for atherosclerosis in the general population also play a significant role in RA patients. The findings offer intriguing insights into the interplay between genetics, disease duration, and treatment strategies in the development of heart disease among those living with RA.

Is There a Genetic Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease?

DNA and artery graphic representing genetic links to heart health.

The research team genotyped 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are known genetic variations associated with atherosclerosis, in 289 RA patients. Among the participants, 116 had SA (identified by increased carotid intima-media thickness or the presence of carotid plaque), while 173 did not show signs of SA.

To assess the collective impact of these SNPs, the researchers created weighted genetic risk scores (GRSs). These scores included:

GRS_IMT: SNPs linked to intima-media thickness.
GRS_CP: SNPs associated with carotid plaque.
GRS_CAD: SNPs connected to coronary artery disease.

The initial results were somewhat surprising. None of the individual SNPs showed a strong association with SA across the entire group of RA patients. However, a closer look revealed a critical insight: GRS_IMT, was associated with SA, but mainly in patients who had been living with RA for a shorter period.

What Does This Mean for You?

This study emphasizes the complex relationship between RA, genetics, and cardiovascular risk. While genetic predisposition may play a role in the early stages of RA-related atherosclerosis, the long-term impact of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment are also significant factors. For individuals newly diagnosed with RA, understanding their genetic risk for heart disease could be a valuable tool in guiding early treatment and lifestyle interventions.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00296-018-4186-y, Alternate LINK

Title: Common Atherosclerosis Genetic Risk Factors And Subclinical Atherosclerosis In Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Relevance Of Disease Duration

Subject: Immunology

Journal: Rheumatology International

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Bartłomiej Kisiel, Robert Kruszewski, Aleksandra Juszkiewicz, Anna Raczkiewicz, Artur Bachta, Krzysztof Kłos, Krzysztof Duda, Artur Maliborski, Konrad Szymański, Rafał Płoski, Marek Saracyn, Stanisław Niemczyk, Katarzyna Kisiel, Małgorzata Tłustochowicz, Witold Tłustochowicz

Published: 2018-10-29

Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease according to recent studies?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that elevates the risk of cardiovascular issues. Research suggests a genetic predisposition might lead to subclinical atherosclerosis, an early stage of plaque buildup in arteries, among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Identifying subclinical atherosclerosis early is crucial as it allows for timely interventions and lifestyle adjustments to slow down or potentially reverse the progression of heart disease.

How did the Rheumatology International study investigate the genetic link between rheumatoid arthritis and subclinical atherosclerosis?

The study published in Rheumatology International genotyped 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 289 rheumatoid arthritis patients. The goal was to determine if common genetic risk factors for atherosclerosis in the general population also influence the development of subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Researchers used weighted genetic risk scores (GRSs) like GRSIMT, GRSCP, and GRSCAD to assess the collective impact of these SNPs on intima-media thickness, carotid plaque, and coronary artery disease, respectively.

What did the study reveal about the relationship between genetic risk scores and subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients?

GRSIMT showed an association with subclinical atherosclerosis, primarily in rheumatoid arthritis patients who had been living with the disease for a shorter period. This suggests that genetic predisposition, specifically related to intima-media thickness, may play a role in the early stages of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis. However, the long-term impact of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment also play significant roles.

What are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and how were they used in the rheumatoid arthritis study?

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are genetic variations at single points in DNA. In the context of the study, 29 SNPs known to be associated with atherosclerosis were examined in rheumatoid arthritis patients. These SNPs were used to calculate genetic risk scores (GRSs) which provide a comprehensive measure of an individual's genetic risk for developing atherosclerosis and related conditions like coronary artery disease.

What are the implications of understanding your genetic risk for heart disease if you are newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?

Understanding the genetic risk for heart disease, particularly through assessments like GRSIMT, GRSCP, and GRSCAD, can inform early treatment and lifestyle interventions for individuals newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Early identification of subclinical atherosclerosis allows for proactive management, potentially slowing or reversing the progression of heart disease. It is also important to consider disease duration and the effectiveness of ongoing treatments as significant factors influencing cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients.