What is the connection between lipids, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? They have a lot more similarities than you think. RA is associated with significant systemic inflammation and it is this inflammation that elevate's one's cardiovascular risk. In poorly managed RA, we often see a lower total cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C (compared to baseline) but this reduction is actually associated with an elevated CVD risk and is a phenomenon known as the Lipid Paradox. Early management of RA with the goal of low disease activity or remission can substantially lower one's risk of CVD. Listen to this episode to find out why