Improving Hypertension Control in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Improving Hypertension Control for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a autoimmune disease associated with an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) and premature death,. Traditional CAD risk factors like hypertension (HTN) are both very common and poorly controlled among RA patients. Patients with RA face significant challenges in controlling HTN. The goal of this project is to identify barriers to HTN care in patients with RA to reduce CAD events.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years old or older
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• History of rheumatoid arthritis
• Receive both primary care and rheumatology care from Duke Health System

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age less than 18 years old
• Healthy volunteers without rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension
• Do not receive both primary care and rheumatology care from Duke Health System
• Cognitive impairment with lack the capacity to consent to study participation
• Pregnant women
• Prisoners