Cardiovascular risks in lupus patients

Medical research and specialists have highlighted that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) face approximately double the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes, compared to the general population. This elevated risk is attributed to traditional factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, alongside disease-specific drivers including chronic inflammation and prolonged exposure to corticosteroids.

Data from the Spanish RELESSER registry indicates that accumulated organ damage often occurs primarily during the first year following a diagnosis, with cardiovascular complications playing a significant role. Consequently, experts emphasize the necessity of initiating cardiovascular prevention at the moment of diagnosis.

In broader clinical discussions, specialists have also linked cardiovascular health to obesity, noting that obesity contributes to hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Recent advancements in biological therapies are shifting lupus treatment goals toward achieving remission and minimizing corticosteroid exposure to prevent irreversible organ damage.