Link exists between Lupus and cardiovascular disease

Many chronic illnesses and diseases are often linked with other debilitating conditions. For instance, it was recently uncovered that people suffering with migraines were also at an increased risk for developing multiple sclerosis. It appears that whatever triggers the primary disease also plays a role in the development of secondary conditions. A new study, led by researchers in Australia and the United Kingdom, found that one of those links exists between lupus and cardiovascular disease. Further, it appears that the cause of the link has to do with the primary cause of lupus.

Lupus develops when the body’s immune system creates antibodies that attack the cells, causing inflammation that consequently damages the heart, kidneys, skin, joints, blood, and brain, among other organs and tissues. There is no exact cause of lupus and there is no cure for the disease. Those who suffer from the illness are often forced to give up hobbies, daily activities, and even their jobs, due to the debilitating effects. It is such a serious disease that it is recognized as a disability for social security benefit purposes. Another disease, also recognized as a disability under social security standards, is heart disease. Now, researchers have found that the two are linked and that having lupus may increase a person’s chances of developing cardiovascular problems.

The researchers found that patients with active lupus also had increased levels of autoantibodies, which were bound to fat binding proteins. The researchers believe that an increase of these particular proteins may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This, in turn, increases the chance that an individual will develop cardiovascular disease. Although this theory appears very promising in discovering why certain lupus patients are susceptible to heart disease, there is still not a method to measure these specific antibodies in order to verify the risk of atherosclerosis. The researchers are certain, however, that methods of measurement will be developed in the future which will allow health professionals to accurately gauge the risk of heart disease in lupus patients.

In the meantime, if you are living with lupus and are concerned about developing a heart condition, speak with your doctor. He/she may be able to identify other risk factors associated with cardiovascular problems. Moreover, if you feel any symptoms that are not consistent with what you have been experiencing with lupus, it is important to discuss these with your doctor. Knowing that the biochemistry behind lupus is often linked to other conditions is imperative when learning to treat and live with the disease.