Association between cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic health and rheumatoid arthritis prevalence: A cross-sectional study

Recent research suggests metabolic disturbances may drive inflammation. This study explores the link between cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKM) stages and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This cross-sectional study utilized data from 8177 American adults in the 1999 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were applied to examine the relationship between different stages of CKM syndrome and RA prevalence. In this cross-sectional study, after adjusting for potential confounders, a higher CKM stage was found to be associated with an increased risk of RA. When compared to CKM stage 0, individuals in stages 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-4.25, P = .043), 3 (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.03-4.73, P = .038), and 4 (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.02-4.69, P = .044) showed a significantly higher risk of RA. Subgroup analysis revealed that in the 40 to 59 age group, any CKM stage above 0 was strongly linked to an increased RA risk, which was not observed in the 18 to 39 or ≥60 age groups. In females, CKM stages 2 to 4 were associated with a greater risk of RA compared to stage 0, suggesting a potential gender-related influence. Additionally, similar associations between higher CKM stages and increased RA risk were found in Other Hispanic, Non-Hispanic White, and other racial groups. This study indicates that an elevated CKM stage is significantly linked to a higher risk of RA, especially among those aged 40 to 59, females, and specific racial groups.