Coronary calcium and high-sensitivity troponin testing in people with rheumatoid arthritis
The Coronary Artery Calcium and Troponins in Rheumatoid Arthritis (CAT-RA) Study
This study will test whether measuring coronary artery calcium and high-sensitivity troponin can find people with rheumatoid arthritis who should start cholesterol-lowering treatment even if general risk calculators don't recommend it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 35 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07315997 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational, single-center study enrolls adults aged 40–79 with rheumatologist-diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and at least one ASCVD risk factor but without diabetes or current statin therapy. Participants will have blood tests for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin and undergo coronary artery calcium scoring to see whether these markers identify higher cardiovascular risk than standard population risk calculators. Individuals on statins, on other lipid-lowering drugs, with diabetes, or who are pregnant are excluded. The aim is to determine whether these biomarkers can guide earlier initiation of lipid-lowering therapy in RA patients who would otherwise be missed.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 40–79 with rheumatologist-diagnosed RA, at least one ASCVD risk factor, not diabetic, and not currently taking statins or other lipid-lowering medications.
Not a fit: People with diabetes, those already on statins or PCSK9 inhibitors or other lipid-lowering drugs, pregnant individuals, or those outside the 40–79 age range are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help identify people with RA who would benefit from earlier cholesterol-lowering treatment and reduce their risk of heart attacks.
How similar studies have performed: Coronary artery calcium scoring and high-sensitivity troponin have predicted cardiovascular risk in general populations, but applying both specifically to non-diabetic RA patients who are below standard treatment thresholds is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * RA diagnosed by a rheumatologist * Age 40- 79 * ≥1 ASCVD risk factor including prediabetes, hypertension, BMI \>30, current or history of cigarette smoking Exclusion Criteria: * Patients on a statin or with a contraindication to statin, on a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, or on a PCSK9 inhibitor * Patients with diabetes mellitus * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Womens Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.