A critical view on cardiovascular risk in systemic sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease causing microvascular injury and fibrosis.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in SSc, linked to microvascular dysfunction and fibrosis.
• The prevalence of macrovascular disease, specifically atherosclerosis, in SSc remains unclear, with conflicting study results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on cardiovascular disease prevalence in Systemic Sclerosis.
• To evaluate surrogate markers used to assess CVD in SSc patients.
• To explore potential shared pathogenic mechanisms between SSc and macrovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on SSc and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of studies assessing atherosclerosis markers in SSc patients.
• Examination of etiological links between SSc and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• Primary cardiac involvement in SSc significantly impacts prognosis.
• Evidence regarding atherosclerotic coronary disease in SSc is controversial.
• Further research is needed to clarify the relationship and shared pathways.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular disease is a critical concern in Systemic Sclerosis management.
• The role of atherosclerosis in SSc requires further investigation.
• Understanding shared mechanisms may lead to improved patient outcomes.