Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune diseases. While the prognosis is known for these patients, it is unknown precisely how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) relates to cardiovascular (CVD) mortality.

We analyzed data on adults (≥ 20 years) from the 1999–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is a population-based survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, with mortality data obtained through December 2019. We assessed for Rheumatoid Arthritis through self-reported data. Due to the complex sampling design, sample weights were utilized in order to analyze the data. Comparisons were analyzed using Pearson's Chi Square, simple, and multivariable Cox regression to determine the relationship of rheumatoid arthritis and CVD-related mortality. All missing variables were excluded.

Data was available for 13,131 adults in the United States population. The percentage of individuals who experienced mortality after RA 38.5% (32.8-44.2) was higher than those who did not have RA (14.8% (13.8-15.8)). The overall unadjusted hazard ratio for RA to no RA was 3.38 (2.49-4.59, p < 0.01). The adjusted HR remained strong at 1.51 (CI 1.14-2.01, p < 0.01) among adults after the results were controlled for medical (obesity) and demographic (ethnicity, gender, age) risk factors.

There is a significant relationship between RA and CVD mortality among all adults. Consequently, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis need better access to treat RA through services and overall healthcare. Health care professionals should be made aware of gaps in prevention of cardiovascular disease.