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Chronic rheumatologic disorders and cardiovascular disease risk in women
Puja K Mehta1, Rebecca D Levit1, Malissa J Wood2
1Emory Women's Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Autoimmune conditions significantly increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women by accelerating atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Early screening and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing CVD in this population.
Area of Science:
- Women's Health
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant global health threat to women.
- Autoimmune conditions are emerging as key contributors to CVD complications in women.
- Chronic inflammation from autoimmune disorders accelerates atherosclerosis, microvascular dysfunction, and thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of autoimmune conditions in women's cardiovascular health.
- To emphasize the impact of autoimmune disease characteristics on CVD risk.
- To advocate for early CVD risk factor screening in women with autoimmune conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on autoimmune diseases and CVD in women.
- Analysis of factors influencing CVD risk and progression in this demographic.
- Discussion of therapeutic implications for managing inflammation and CVD.
Main Results:
- Autoimmune disorders promote premature atherosclerosis, microvascular issues, and clotting.
- Comorbidities, disease duration/severity, and inflammation management impact CVD outcomes.
- Medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs, and biologics influence CVD risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Early CVD risk factor identification and screening are vital for women with autoimmune conditions.
- Comprehensive management strategies, including multidisciplinary care and research, are needed.
- Further research and clinical trials focusing on systemic autoimmune conditions are essential to improve women's cardiovascular care.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health threat to women worldwide. In addition to traditional CVD risk factors, autoimmune conditions are increasingly being recognized as contributors to adverse CVD consequences in women. Chronic systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders can trigger premature and accelerated atherosclerosis, microvascular dysfunction, and thrombosis. The presence of comorbid conditions, duration of the autoimmune condition, disease severity, and treatment of underlying inflammation are all factors that impact CVD risk and progression. Early identification and screening of CVD risk factors in those with underlying autoimmune conditions may attenuate CVD in this population. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease modifying agents and biologics may influence CVD risk factors and overall risk. Multi-disciplinary and team-based care, clinical trials, and collaborative team-science studies focusing on systemic autoimmune conditions will be beneficial to advance care for women.
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