Cardiovascular involvement in ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis: epidemiology, mechanisms, and clinical management

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Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction and stroke.
2

Patients with AS/axSpA often exhibit subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities, including endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, before symptoms arise.
3

Chronic inflammation in AS/axSpA contributes to cardiovascular injury through mechanisms involving tumor necrosis factor and interleukin pathways.
4

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may improve cardiovascular outcomes by controlling inflammation, while the effects of other treatments remain unclear.
5

A comprehensive management approach for AS/axSpA should include cardiovascular risk assessment and modification alongside disease control.

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