There are many people who do not realize that having Lupus will greatly increase their risk of heart disease. At least that's the conclusion of a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, which found that only 31% of Lupus patients even know that it is a definite risk factor for heart disease. And get this, there was 58% of those surveyed that said their doctors didn't even discuss the risks with them.
Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. And the symptoms are swollen joints, skin rash, fever, and fatigue, but lupus can also affect the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and kidneys. Those with Lupus have a five to nine times greater risk of heart disease than the general population. The term heart disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the heart, the most common being coronary artery disease, that may lead to heart attacks.
Most of us know that rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune condition that increases the risk of heart disease. This study,however, shows the link between heart disease and Lupus is not quite so recognized. It is extremely important for those who have Lupus to know about these risk so that they can speak to their doctors about what steps to take to reduce it. These steps may include changes to their diets, an exercise program, and medication.
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