LFA Examines Increased Risk Of Heart Disease Among Women With Lupus

Main Category: Lupus
Also Included In: Heart Disease;  Women's Health / Gynecology;  Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 24 Feb 2007 - 0:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Several high-profile studies have confirmed that women with the autoimmune disease lupus face a five- to ten-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease when compared to the general population, especially younger women. In the wake of this revelation, concerns about coronary heart disease risks for lupus patients have skyrocketed. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) will address this very important topic during its next live Web chat scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time.

The chat will be led by Dr. Susan Manzi of the University of Pittsburgh's Lupus Center of Excellence. Dr. Manzi is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in lupus patient care and research, and a pioneer in scientific investigation of cardiovascular disease in patients with lupus. The chat is available at no charge through the LFA Web site at http://www.lupus.org/.

Individuals may submit questions to Dr. Manzi in advance or during the course of the live chat event by logging on to the LFA Web site. A transcript of the chat will be available on the LFA Web site for one year.

Lupus is a chronic disease where the immune system goes into overdrive, causing severe inflammation, pain and tissue damage to various parts of the body. The disease strikes mostly women of childbearing age and is more common among women of color. The LFA estimates that 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus.

Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits that narrow or close blood vessels, is now considered an inflammatory disease. Lupus is the prototypic inflammatory disease. Researchers are studying potential therapies that will reduce the risk of heart disease in women with lupus, including cholesterol- lowering drugs and aspirin therapy.

The on-going series of live chats are a public service of the Lupus Foundation of America, the nation's leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus. The LFA and its nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters, branches and support groups conduct programs of research, patient and professional education, public awareness, advocacy and support.

Lupus Foundation of America
http://www.lupus.org/

• Additional
• References
• Citations