Systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiovascular disease: prediction and potential for therapeutic intervention

Abstract

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events due to atherosclerosis. Traditional cardiac risk factors cannot fully explain this increased risk. Recent evidence strongly suggests that atherosclerotic plaque is largely driven by inflammation and an active immunological response, in contrast to the long-held belief that plaque is a passive accumulation of lipids in the arterial wall. Current approaches to the prevention of atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus involve targeting modifiable cardiac risk factors. Future preventive strategies may include therapies that counteract the immunologic responses that lead to plaque formation.

Keywords::

• apoA-1
• atherosclerosis
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
• homocysteine
• oxidized LDL
• proinflammatory HDL
• statins
• systemic lupus erythematosus

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Supported by grants from the Arthritis Foundation, NIH/NIAMS 1K23AR053864-01A1 and Rheuminations. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.