People with lupus have a higher risk of heart disease, according to a recent study in JAMA Dermatology. Researchers found that those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were 2.2 times more likely to develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease — which includes heart attacks and strokes — compared to people without lupus. Those with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) — a form of lupus that mainly affects the skin — also had a higher risk than those without lupus.

Heart Disease Risk by the Numbers

The study measured the number of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease cases per 1,000 people per year in different groups. The study found:

• 24.8 people with SLE out of 1,000 developed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease per year (the highest-risk group).
• 15.2 people with CLE out of 1,000 developed it per year.
• 10.3 people in the study’s control group (people without lupus) out of 1,000 developed it per year.

These findings suggest that heart disease risk in lupus can be overlooked, especially for those with CLE. CLE is not usually linked to systemic complications — health issues that affect multiple organs or the entire body.

Why Monitoring Heart Health Matters

Lupus can impact multiple organs, including the heart and blood vessels, making heart disease prevention important. Getting regular checkups and screenings and managing risk factors — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels — can help lower the chance of serious complications.

Doctors specializing in skin and autoimmune diseases can play a key role in identifying early signs of heart problems. Because skin health can reflect internal issues, people with lupus should work closely with their doctors to monitor their heart health.

Learn more about how lupus can affect other organs in your body and how to protect them.

Find Your Team

On MyLupusTeam, the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones, more than 234,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Have you had heart health concerns with lupus? How do you manage your risk? Share your thoughts in the comments, start a conversation on your Activities page, or join Groups to connect with others.