Autoimmune diseases refer to a group of medical conditions where the immune system attacks and damages healthy tissues and organs in the body. These diseases can affect any part of the body, including the heart and blood vessels.

Several studies have reported a link between autoimmune diseases and an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The following article discusses the connection between autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disease and how to reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Autoimmune Diseases That Increase Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Autoimmune diseases can affect various organs and systems in the body, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, and nervous system. Several autoimmune diseases have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These include:.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Lupus
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Psoriasis
Sjögren’s syndrome

How Autoimmune Diseases Contribute to Cardiovascular Disease

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the link between autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disease.

One theory is that the chronic inflammation that occurs with autoimmune diseases, particularly RA and lupus, can damage the inner lining of blood vessels and promote the formation of plaques. Plaques are deposits of cholesterol, fats, and other substances that can build up in the arteries, narrowing or blocking them and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Another proposed mechanism is that some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaques accumulate in the arteries.

Atherosclerosis can lead to various cardiovascular complications, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke.

Furthermore, some autoimmune diseases can cause changes in the structure and function of the heart.

In particular, RA has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure, while lupus can cause damage to the heart valves or the heart muscle itself.

Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Autoimmune Diseases

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in autoimmune diseases, it is crucial to manage the disease itself as well as addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Here are some strategies that can help:.

Medical Management of Autoimmune Diseases

Treating and managing autoimmune diseases can help reduce the chronic inflammation and other factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Effective treatments for autoimmune diseases may include:.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Biologic agents or targeted synthetic DMARDs
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants or immunomodulators

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management

Several modifiable risk factors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with autoimmune diseases. These may include:.

High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking

Addressing these risk factors can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Strategies may include:.

Eating a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet
Staying physically active, such as through regular exercise or physical therapy
Quitting smoking
Treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol as recommended by a healthcare provider
Maintaining a healthy weight

Regular Monitoring and Screening

People with autoimmune diseases should receive regular medical check-ups and screenings to monitor their disease activity and detect early signs of cardiovascular disease. Recommended screenings may include:.

Blood pressure monitoring
Blood lipid level testing
Body mass index (BMI) calculation
Cardiac imaging, such as echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Peripheral arterial disease screening

Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and heart failure.

Effective management of autoimmune diseases and addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Healthcare providers should provide regular check-ups and screenings to monitor disease activity and detect early signs of cardiovascular disease.