[Long-term prognosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis depending on baseline variability of cardiac rhythm].

AIM: The study of outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) depending on cardiac rhythm variability (CRV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients with RA of I--III degree of activity aged 38-83 years (mean age 60.3 +/- 10.8 years) were examined using 24-h AP and ECG monitoring. Follow-up was 2-4 years. RESULTS: A clear correlation was seen between RA activity and CRV. CONCLUSION: In patients with high activity of RA, CRV decline reflect severity of inflammation. In low RA activity, low CRV may point to the presence of IHD. Low CRV in RA activity of degree I-II may indicate high risk of sudden cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction within 2-4 years.