Steroid-Related Risk of Heart Disease in Lupus Patients

Heart Disease Risk is Increased for Those with Lupus

A study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, (2012. Sept 27. doi:10.1093/aje;kws130, Epub ahead of print) investigated the reasons that individuals with lupus are at increased risk for heart disease.

Lupus Study at Hopkins Lupus Cohort

1800 individuals who were enrolled in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort from April 1987 to June 2010 were included.  Patients with previous heart disease related events were excluded. Patients were tested quarterly with a battery of physical and laboratory tests to determine lupus disease activity and antibody markers.

Researcher found that among this population, the number of heart-disease related events was substantially higher than in the general population.

Heart Disease Linked

Researchers then separated out a multitude of factors specifically relating to lupus--duration of disease, age at diagnosis, average lupus disease activity, history of the disease as indicated by antibody levels. Even after accounting for the increased risk due to increased lupus disease activity, and increased blood pressure and cholesterol, patients who were currently taking steroids at a dose of 20 mg/day or more had significantly more heart disease events.
More detailed information regarding this research can be found at the above reference.

 Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309