Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effect of Rituximab Therapy

Inclusion Criteria: * Able and willing to give written informed consent and comply with the requirements of the study protocol * Negative serum pregnancy test (for women of child bearing age) * Men and women of reproductive potential must agree to use an acceptable method of birth control during treatment and for twelve months (1 year) after completion of treatment. * IgG \& IgM levels within normal limits * Adequate renal function as indicated by serum creatinine measurements. * No previous biological use (investigational or approved) except for the three approved anti-TNF alpha therapies * Patients who have been treated with anti-TNF alpha therapies must be off of infliximab and adalimumab for two months before study entry and off of etanercept for one month before study entry * No use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) (i.e. Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil) 1 week prior to the study and during the course of the study. * SBP ≤ 140/90 for two months prior to study enrollment Exclusion Criteria: * Prior history of MI, CVA, CABG, PTCA, or peripheral vascular disease * Any serious concomitant medical condition that could interfere with the study. * Patients with insulin dependent diabetes * Failure to provide written consent. * Individuals with HIV infections * SBP \> 140/90 at two months prior to study enrollment