Autoimmunity is a condition where the immune system of the body attacks its own healthy tissues, mistaking them for foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

This condition is caused by a loss of self-tolerance, leading to the production of autoantibodies, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cells that attack and damage different organs of the body. Autoimmunity can affect various organs, including the liver, thyroid, kidney, and the heart.

Autoimmunity and Heart Disease

A growing body of research suggests that autoimmune diseases increase the risk of developing heart disease.

Several autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular complications. The inflammation caused by autoimmunity can damage the inner lining of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque.

This buildup narrows the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow, heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. This condition affects about 1.3 million Americans, and women are three times more likely to develop RA than men.

RA has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. The inflammation caused by RA can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing them to narrow and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Even people with RA who do not show any symptoms of heart disease are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications.

Lupus and Heart Disease

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1.5 million people in the US. This condition causes inflammation of various body organs, including joints, skin, kidneys, and the heart.

People with lupus have a higher risk of heart disease compared to the general population. The inflammation caused by lupus can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to blockages and a reduced flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. This can cause chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure.

Psoriasis and Heart Disease

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes an excessive growth of skin cells, leading to thick, scaly patches of skin. This condition affects about 7.5 million Americans and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

People with psoriasis are two to three times more likely to develop heart disease than those without this condition. The inflammation caused by psoriasis can damage the blood vessels, leading to the buildup of plaque, and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

Other Autoimmune Diseases and Heart Disease

Other autoimmune diseases like scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and Sjögren’s syndrome have also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, affecting the blood vessels and the internal organs. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect various organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, and skin.

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dryness of the eyes and mouth.

Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.

The inflammation caused by autoimmunity can damage the inner lining of the blood vessels, leading to the buildup of plaque and the narrowing of the arteries. This can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

People with autoimmune diseases should take measures to reduce their risk of heart disease, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and monitoring their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.