METS-IR Effective in Predicting Cardiovascular Disease in Arthritis Patients: Study

A recent 7-year cohort study highlighted the effectiveness of the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks among Chinese patients with arthritis. The findings published in the Rheumatology journal provided fresh insights into early risk identification for this vulnerable population.

Despite the well-documented connection between arthritis and heightened CVD risk, prediction tools have remained limited. This extensive research utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to fill that gap by analyzing a total of 1,059 arthritis patients over a 7-year period from 2011 to 2018. METS-IR derived from metabolic indicators linked to insulin resistance, was assessed as the primary exposure variable, while the occurrence of new CVD events formed the key outcome.

The results revealed a significant dose-response relationship between METS-IR and CVD risk. For every quartile increase in METS-IR, the patients faced a 36% higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.14–1.61, p < 0.001). When comparing the highest quartile of METS-IR to the lowest, the data showed almost 63% higher risk of CVD (HR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.12–2.37, p < 0.05). The study adjusted for confounding factors such as demographic characteristics and lifestyle variables by reinforcing the robustness of these findings.

The findings illuminate METS-IR as a potential tool for predicting cardiovascular events in arthritis patients who are already at elevated risk for heart-related complications. Early detection is essential for effective preventive measures, and METS-IR offers clinicians a valuable resource for risk stratification. This study offers healthcare professionals a strong strategy for tailored care. Physicians can proactively address metabolic health concerns in arthritis patients to reduce CVD risks through targeted interventions by leveraging METS-IR assessments.

The research team emphasized the importance of integrating METS-IR assessments into routine clinical practice for patients with arthritis. They called for further investigations to validate these findings across broader and more diverse populations. Overall, these findings pave the way for improved prevention strategies, which could significantly improve the health outcomes of arthritis patients vulnerable to cardiovascular complications.

Reference:

Ke, W.-K., Xu, L.-L., & Luo, N. (2025). Predictive value of insulin resistance metabolic score for cardiovascular disease in Chinese arthritis patients: a prospective cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford, England). https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaf048