In a new study, researchers investigated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease events (CVE) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) looking at the risk based on sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Findings confirmed people with SLE have higher rates of CVE than the general population and revealed increased rates of CVE among younger men, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and non-Hispanic Black race. 

Researchers utilized data from the Manhattan Lupus Surveillance Program, a population-based registry of patients with SLE, for this retrospective study. The study included 1, 285 people aged 20 and older living with SLE. Of the study population, 13.9% experienced CVE, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebrovascular accident (stroke), with men having a 1.7 times higher risk and older adults over 60 years old having a 2.5 times higher risk. Compared to non-Hispanic Asian patients, the risk of CVE was 3.1 times higher for Hispanic/Latino people and 3.5 times higher for and non-Hispanic Black people. Overall, CVE prevalence was higher among people with SLE than the general population, particularly among those of male sex, non-Hispanic Black race, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and in people aged 20-49. 

Screening for cardiovascular disease is important among all people with SLE, but especially among those at higher risk. Current research shows that cardiovascular disease, is a leading cause of death in people with SLE which underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to maintain optimal heart health. Learn more about lupus and the heart.

Read the study