[Cardiovascular manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus].
Pericarditis is the most common cardiac manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, although lesions of valves, myocardium and coronary arteries may also occur. In the past, cardiac abnormalities were severe and life threatening. Nowadays, cardiac manifestations are often mild and asymptomatic. However, they can be easily recognized by echocardiography and other novel tests. Vascular occlusion, including coronary vessels, may develop due to vasculitis, premature atherosclerosis or antiphospholipid antibodies. Premature atherosclerosis is the most frequent cause of coronary artery disease in SLE patients. Efforts should be made to control traditional risk factors as well as all other factors that are intrinsic to SLE, which could contribute to atherosclerotic plaque development.
Gómez-León Mandujano
Amir
A
Departamento de Cardiologia Geriatrica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chavez, México.
Amezcua-Guerra
Luis Manuel
LM
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000209:etiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000209:etiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000209:etiology