In a new study, researchers investigated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease events (CVE) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) looking at the risk based on sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Findings confirmed people with SLE have higher rates of CVE than the general population and revealed increased rates of CVE among younger men, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and non-Hispanic Black race.
Researchers utilized data from the Manhattan Lupus Surveillance Program, a population-based registry of patients with SLE, for this retrospective study. The study included 1, 285 people aged 20 and older living with SLE. Of the study population, 13.9% experienced CVE, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke), with men having a 1.7 times higher risk and older adults over 60 years old having a 2.5 times higher risk. Compared to non-Hispanic Asian patients, the risk of CVE was 3.1 times higher for Hispanic/Latino people and 3.5 times higher for and non-Hispanic Black people. Overall, CVE prevalence was higher among people with SLE than the general population, particularly among those of male sex, non-Hispanic Black race, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and in people aged 20-49.
Screening for cardiovascular disease is important among all people with SLE, but especially among those at higher risk. Current research shows that cardiovascular disease, is a leading cause of death in people with SLE which underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to maintain optimal heart health. Learn more about lupus and the heart.
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