Depression and Progression of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
09:43

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice

Published on: June 8, 2022

3.6K

April Jorge1, Apinya Lertratanakul2, Jungwha Lee2

  • 1Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Arthritis Care & Research
|July 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and depression experience faster atherosclerosis progression. Depression may increase subclinical atherosclerosis risk in SLE patients, highlighting a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) significantly increases women's risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Depression is linked to increased inflammation, a potential pathway to CVD development.
  • The interplay between SLE, depression, and atherosclerosis progression requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between depression and the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • To evaluate whether depression exacerbates atherosclerosis in women with SLE compared to controls.

Main Methods:

  • A 5-year prospective case-control study involving 149 SLE patients and 126 controls.
  • Assessment included CVD risk factors, depression screening, and ultrasound of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque.
  • SLE disease activity was also monitored in the SLE cohort.

Main Results:

  • Women with SLE had a higher prevalence of depression (29%) than controls (11%).
  • Baseline depression correlated with increased CIMT progression in SLE patients, independent of traditional CVD risk factors (0.064 mm vs. 0.026 mm increase).
  • No significant association was found between depression and carotid plaque progression in either group.

Conclusions:

  • Depression is associated with accelerated subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by CIMT, in women with SLE.
  • This suggests depression, a modifiable factor, may contribute to the heightened CVD risk in SLE.
  • Targeting depression could be a strategy to mitigate cardiovascular risk in this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

23.6K
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease04:44

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: June 16, 2020

21.0K

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
936
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary 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...
1.5K
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
763
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
522
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis 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...
567
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
653