Analysis of Endothelial Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Uncontrolled Rheumatoid Arthritis

18-75 years old; Rheumatoid arthritis, defined by 1987 American College Rheumatology criteria; Attending clinic at Aston Center for Rheumatology or Parkland Rheumatology Clinic; Uncontrolled: Patients will be labeled as uncontrolled RA if Disease Activity Score (DAS) score is \>3.2 and C-reactive protein (mg/dL) elevated above normal range.~Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP \> 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL\>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing.

Controlled Rheumatoid Arthritis

18-75 years old; Rheumatoid arthritis, defined by 1987 American College Rheumatology criteria; Attending clinic at Aston Center for Rheumatology or Parkland Rheumatology Clinic; Controlled: Disease activity score (DAS) \<3.2, normal C-reactive protein. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP \> 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL\>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing.

Healthy Controls

18-75 years old. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP \> 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL\>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing.