Leader Inflammation-mediated rheumatic diseases and atherosclerosis

For over 20 years, premature coronary heart disease has been recognised as a major determinant of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Less appreciated is the fact that the same holds true for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These two autoimmune diseases share a propensity to target women of childbearing age and a treatment armamentarium that includes corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents. Despite clear distinctions in pathophysiology, the immune dysfunction unique to each disease results in a chronic inflammatory state, which may have implications for the atherogenesis seen in these young patients. As we compare and contrast potential cardiovascular risk factors in these two autoimmune diseases, we may further our understanding of why these young women are at high risk for premature atherosclerosis.