Association of the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index With Cardiovascular Disease Prevalence and Mortality in Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis: First Population‐Based Evidence From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, effective risk stratification tools remain limited. The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) is a composite biomarker reflecting endothelial injury and cellular stress, but its association with CVD in populations with RA remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between EASIX and both CVD prevalence and CVD mortality in individuals with RA using a nationally representative sample.