title: Systemic inflammation as a risk factor for atherothrombosis.
abstract: Several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and chronic infections that are associated with a chronic inflammatory state, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular mortality is a major cause of death in patients with these disorders. Direct effects and indirect sequelae of systemic inflammation promote atherothrombotic vascular disease. Pathophysiological processes promoting atherogenesis can initiate years before the diagnosis of a chronic inflammatory disease is made, and since exposure to risk factors in this pre-clinical phase is widespread, early cardiovascular protection in these patients seems warranted.
authors: Academic Medical Center, Department of Vascular Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.i.vanleuven@amc.uva.nl
authors: S I
authors: SI
authors: van Leuven
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Franssen
authors: J J
authors: JJ
authors: Kastelein
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Levi
authors: E S G
authors: ES
authors: Stroes
authors: P P
authors: PP
authors: Tak
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors