Abstract Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that primarily affects peripheral synovial joints and is characterized by joint swelling, joint tenderness and leads to destruction of the affected joints. However, persistent uncontrolled inflammation among poorly managed patients may cause several complications in RA known as extra-articular manifestations. RA is a common disease which affects all populations of the world though the prevalence varies in different populations. In a recent study the incidence of RA was found to be 1 %. Recent studies have shown that the cardiovascular disease plays an important role in increased mortality associated with RA. The excess cardiovascular disease encountered is believed to be due to the contribution of traditional risk factors (e.g. dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, hypertension) as well as due to novel risk factors (e.g. systemic inflammation).In various studies it has been documented that lipid profile in RA is adversely affected. In general most studies have demonstrated a decrease in HDL – Cholesterol (HDL-C), while the effect on LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) has been found to be variable. The present study is being conducted as there is paucity of data on prevalence of lipid abnormalities in patients of rheumatoid arthritis in Indian literature. Lack of extensive research in this field necessitates further studies to establish a definitive conclusion in the Indian population.