[Cardiovascular risk in rheumatic diseases]

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Cardiovascular Medicine
• Rheumatology and Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary global cause of mortality, largely driven by atherosclerosis.
• Atherosclerosis is now recognized as an autoimmune process involving innate and adaptive immunity, challenging its previous view as a degenerative condition.
• Autoimmune diseases are increasingly linked to elevated cardiovascular risk, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of atherosclerosis as an autoimmune process.
• To highlight the increased cardiovascular risk associated with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.
• To discuss the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for managing cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of evidence regarding atherosclerosis pathogenesis and autoimmune disease.
• Analysis of existing data on cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatic diseases.
• Examination of EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular risk management.

Main Results:

• Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases accelerate atherosclerosis, leading to increased cardiovascular mortality.
• Substantial evidence links rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus to higher cardiovascular risk.
• EULAR has updated recommendations (2013, 2016) emphasizing cardiovascular risk screening and disease activity control.

Conclusions:

• Managing cardiovascular risk in autoimmune diseases requires integrated specialist and primary care approaches.
• Regular screening for cardiovascular risk and tight control of rheumatic disease activity are crucial.
• Further research is needed to address unresolved issues in this field.