Background The atherosclerosis is the principal cause of mortality in developed countries. Up to 75% of cardiovascular diseases can be explained by classic risk factors, like smoking, high blood pressure and sedentary lifestyle, but there is increasing evidence that chronic inflammation is an independent risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis. Many studies show high cardiovascular risk in rheumatologic diseases and, recently, new data have revealed that patients with Sjogren's syndrome have a significantly higher risk for heart attack and stroke than general population.

Objectives The object of this study is to evaluate the cardiovascular risk in forty nine patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

Methods Traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, smoking and family history of atherosclerosis have been assessed. Patients with prior cardiovascular events and personal history of atherosclerosis have been excluded. Clinical and laboratory features have been recorded, as well as the calculation of ESSDAI. The cardiovascular evaluation used de Framingham score, aerobic capacity (measured by ergospirometry), echocardiography, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), measured by ultrasonography, and ankle brachial index (ABI).

Results Fifteen patients (31%) had at least one traditional risk factor and 65,3% had ESSDAI score from mild to moderate. Thirty persons (61,22%) had Framingham score between moderate to high. Only 10,2% showed a good aerobic capacity and diastolic of left ventricular dysfunction was seen on 24 patients' echocardiography. Only two patients had increased CIMT, however, 66% presented ABI alterations.

Conclusions The statistical analysis demonstrated a positive association between the Framingham and ESSDAI scores [χ²(4)=10,858; p=0,028] and this could mean that the activity of the disease is an independent cardiovascular risk factor in Sjogren's syndrome.

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Disclosure of Interest None declared