CD34 and rheumatoid arthritis: Functional vascular changes often precede structural abnormalities and can be detected through imaging and biomarkers, including reduced endothelial repair capacity via decreased expression of CD34+ progenitor cells, providing at least an indication of antagonism or distress; however, a complete understanding of the physiological interactions associated with inflammation-driven vascular damage in RA is required (and still lacking) in order to interpret and provide early and targeted interventions to reduce CV morbidity and mortality [7].