Related Experiment Videos
Is systemic lupus erithematosus a new risk factor for atherosclerosis?
Beatriz Funayama Alvarenga Freire1, Rogério Cardoso da Silva, Alexandre Todorovic Fabro
1Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP, Botucatu, SP. bfreire@fmb.unesp.br
Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|October 24, 2006
Summary
Cardiovascular events (CVE) occurred in 14.08% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Older age and longer disease duration were linked to CVE, but traditional risk factors were not significant. Further research is needed to confirm SLE as an independent risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events (CVE) are a significant concern in SLE patients.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for CVE in SLE is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of atherosclerosis-related CVE in SLE patients.
- To investigate the association between CVE and traditional risk factors, disease duration, and drug therapy.
- To explore the potential role of SLE as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing patient charts of individuals with confirmed SLE diagnosis for at least two years.
- Inclusion criteria: patients followed since 1992.
- Characterization of CVE (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke) unrelated to lupus activity; recording of risk factors and treatments.
Main Results:
- A total of 71 patient charts were analyzed.
- The prevalence of CVE secondary to atherosclerosis in SLE patients was 14.08%.
- Patients with CVE were older (42.7 vs. 32.8 years) and had longer disease duration (10.8 vs. 7.2 years); traditional risk factors, steroid doses, immunosuppressants, and antimalarials were not significant.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of CVE secondary to atherosclerosis in SLE is 14.08%.
- Traditional risk factors were not associated with CVE development in this cohort.
- Older age and longer disease duration were associated with CVE, but SLE is not yet established as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...