Authors: Rutuben Ashvinkumar Modi, Neha H Pandya, Radhe Shyam Trivedi, Devka M Rupareliya*
Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects people all over the world. RA is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease. It primarily affects the joints and is frequently accompanied by extra-articular symptoms such as rheumatoid nodules, neuropathy, and normochromic normocytic anaemia. Objectives- The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac autonomic function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compare with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was done between 50 having RA & 50 normal healthy subjects not on any medication, on both males & females between the age group of 30-60 years. Evaluation of autonomic nervous system was done with the help of non-invasive tests. Parasympathetic system was assessed by heart rate response to standing & heart rate response to lying down position. Sympathetic system was assessed by blood pressure response to standing, BP response to Valsalva Maneuverer & BP response to sustained hand grip. Results: In individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the diastolic blood pressure in standing position was significantly lower(p Conclusion: Cardiovascular autonomic function tests in daily clinical examination helpful in early detection of autonomic dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis. Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Autonomic nervous system, Cardiovascular.
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