Cardiovascular System involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered the most important autoimmune disease which affects most body organs and systems. SLE is mostly diagnosed in middle aged females. However, it can affect any age and both genders. Lupus patients may present by minor skin and joint symptoms up to critical internal organ damage. Both clinical and laboratory findings are needed for sure diagnosis.Cardiac disease is frequent in about 50% of lupus patients. Cardiac diseases in lupus patients are usually asymptomatic and discovered accidently. However, they are critical and life threatening, mostly due to premature and accelerated atherosclerosis. Therefore, the American Heart Association considers female patients with SLE as a high risk group for development of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Lately, the rate of survival of lupus patients has improved, but the patient is still at high risk of CV morbidity and mortality.Cardiovascular System involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus includes pericardial involvement, myocardial involvement, valvular disease and the coronary artery disease