Burden of cardiovascular disease in Autoimmune rheumatic diseases. “The heart in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis”

Abstract

Rheumatological pathologies such as systemic lupus erythematosus and  rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular involvement and electrocardiographic disorders are the most frequent manifestations of cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is attributed to an increased prevalence of traditional risk factors such as arterial hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia and risk factors characteristic of the disease such as Disease activity, inflammation and drugs used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. To reduce the burden posed by cardiovascular disease requires optimal management of traditional risk factors and intrinsic risk factors to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.