People with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to suffer a sudden heart attack, according to new research presented at an international cardiology conference in Madrid this week.

The findings, by Adriana Puente, M.D. — a cardiologist with the National Medical Centre in Mexico City — indicate that even patients with no symptoms or other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and diabetes are at risk for a surprise heart attack.

"Our study suggests that one quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and no symptoms of heart disease could have a heart attack without prior warning," she explained, in remarks made at a European Society of Cardiology meeting.

"Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.6 percent of the general population and is the first cause of consultation in the rheumatology service. The condition nearly doubles the risk of a heart attack but most patients never knew they had heart disease and were never alerted about their cardiovascular risk."

The findings are based on an assessment of the medical records of 91 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers found that nearly one quarter (24 percent) of patients suffered heart attacks, even though they had no other risk fa tors.

“Our study shows that one quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and no symptoms of heart disease do have coronary heart disease,” Dr. Puente said. “This means they are at increased risk of cardiovascular death."

"The results highlight the importance of conducting diagnostic tests in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to see if they have cardiovascular disease."