Cardiovascular Health & Lupus: Managing the Risk

Lupus & Cardiovascular Disease Many studies have shown that people with lupus are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, one study that is referenced by the Lupus Research Alliance notes that women with lupus between 35-45 years old are 50x more likely to have a myocardial infarction (also known as a heart attack). For people with lupus not in that demographic range, the risk is increased 7- to 9-fold. (This study used the Framingham Heart Study as a comparator. This study began in 1948 and followed 3 generations of people to understand how cardiovascular health impacts the rest of the body. It identified that high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol are major risk factors of cardiovascular disease, and has lead to around 3,000 research publications.) Subsequent studies have explored the connection between lupus and cardiovascular disease have found similar, although typically less severe, links. One found that people with lupus were twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease as control participants. This is worrisome because it is a leading causes of mortality for people with lupus.

Still puzzling over something?