Pharmacist CVD Intervention for Patients With Inflammatory Arthritis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) (disease of the heart and blood vessels) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Canada today. The majority of CVD cases are caused by factors that can be controlled. These factors include tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and physical inactivity. Such factors are common and not well controlled. Inflammatory arthritis (IA) (Inflammation of the joints and other tissues) is considered another risk factor or CVD. As such, people who have IA and any of the previously mentioned risk factors would be at high risk for developing CVD. Controlling these factors will bring down the risk of having cardiovascular disease and make the quality of the individuals' life better. Pharmacists work with patients and their family doctors to provide cardiovascular care. Having a pharmacist involved in the care process may help patients with IA reduce their CV risk. Pharmacists are easier to reach and may have more opportunities to educate people about medications. This might lead to better prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.