Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders that arise when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

In many cases, these conditions lead to chronic inflammation that can damage different organs or systems, including the heart. As a result, people with autoimmune disorders may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks.

What is Autoimmunity?

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against harmful pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. However, in some cases, the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to a variety of autoimmune disorders.

There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and celiac disease, among others.

How Does Autoimmunity Affect the Heart?

Autoimmune disorders can affect the heart in several ways. For example, they can cause inflammation of the heart’s lining (pericarditis), the heart muscle (myocarditis), or the blood vessels (vasculitis).

These conditions can weaken the heart, impair its function, and lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other complications.

Autoimmunity and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque accumulates inside the arteries, reducing the blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

While it is not an autoimmune disorder, atherosclerosis is associated with chronic inflammation, and some researchers believe that autoimmune factors may contribute to the development and progression of the disease. For example, studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease compared to the general population.

Autoimmune Disorders That Increase the Risk of Heart Attack

Some autoimmune disorders are especially associated with a higher risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications. These include:.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Scleroderma
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Systemic vasculitis

How to Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Complications in Autoimmune Disorders

People with autoimmune diseases can take several steps to reduce their risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack. These include:.

Monitoring and controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly, under medical supervision if necessary
Eating a balanced and heart-healthy diet, low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars
Avoiding or quitting smoking and secondhand smoke
Taking medications as prescribed and following medical recommendations
Managing stress and mental health, as stress can worsen autoimmune symptoms and increase the risk of heart attack

Conclusion

A growing body of evidence suggests that people with autoimmune diseases have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications, including heart attack.

While the exact mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood, it is clear that chronic inflammation and other autoimmune factors can damage the heart and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to recognize and address this increased risk, and for patients with autoimmune disorders to take steps to manage their cardiovascular health.