Lupus patients face double risk of heart attack or stroke

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) face approximately double the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes, compared to the general population. This increased risk is linked to traditional factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as disease-specific factors including chronic inflammation and prolonged corticosteroid exposure.

Research from the Spanish RELESSER registry indicates that accumulated organ damage occurs primarily during the first year following diagnosis, with cardiovascular complications contributing significantly to this early damage. Consequently, medical experts emphasize the necessity of initiating cardiovascular prevention at the moment of diagnosis.

Recent advancements in biological therapies have shifted the treatment paradigm for lupus. Rather than merely managing flare-ups, current clinical goals focus on achieving remission, maintaining minimal disease activity, preventing irreversible organ damage, and reducing corticosteroid exposure as much as possible.