Understanding Lupus Heart Risks: Protecting Your Cardiovascular Health with Personalized Insights

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of long-term complications in lupus. Research shows that lupus heart risks are significantly elevated due to chronic inflammation, immune activation, and medication effects.

How Much Higher Are Lupus Heart Risks?

Multiple studies highlight strikingly increased risks:

• Women ages 35–44 with SLE have a 50-fold higher heart attack risk than peers.

• People with lupus are 2–10 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

• Pericarditis occurs in up to 25% of lupus patients.

• Antiphospholipid antibodies increase clot risk several-fold.

Why Lupus Heart Risks Are Higher

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation accelerates atherosclerosis, stiffens arteries, and increases oxidative stress.

Immune-Mediated Complications

Patients may develop myocarditis, arrhythmias, or Libman–Sacks endocarditis.

Medication Effects

Long-term steroid use can raise cholesterol, cause weight gain, and increase blood pressure.

Kidney Involvement

Lupus kidney damage increases blood pressure and cardiovascular burden.

Markers to Watch

Lupus heart risks are higher when patients have:

• High CRP

• Low complement

• Antiphospholipid antibodies

• Persistent nephritis

• High blood pressure

• Elevated LDL

How Lupus Cite Helps You Track Heart Risk

By uploading lipid panels, kidney labs, CRP/ESR, and blood pressure readings, Lupus Cite helps visualize your lupus heart risks and pinpoint trends:

• “Your CRP has been elevated for several months—this increases cardiovascular risk.”

• “Your kidney labs indicate higher strain, which can impact heart health.”

• “Your antiphospholipid antibody profile suggests increased clot risk.”

The platform connects data points so patients can have clearer conversations with healthcare providers.