Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), аtherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (СНD) share common
pathophysiological mechanisms associated with systemic and chronic inflammation. At the same time, traditional
risk factors, such as hypertension, elderly age, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and male sex, cannot fully
explain the mechanism for the accelerated development of atherosclerosis in patients with SLE. Specific risk
factors, such as its duration, glucocorticoid use, anti-doublestranded (native) DNA autoantibodies and
antiphospholipid antibodies, create conditions for the accelerated development of atherosclerosis in this group of
patients. The available facts indicate that a rheumatologist can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD),
by controlling the activity of SLE. Traditional CVD risk factors should be also modified with smoking cessation,
weight loss, and blood pressure control. It is necessary to keep in mind the role of anti-inflammatory therapy, in
particular the positive effect of drugs, such as anti-malarial drugs and mycophenolate mofetil, and the adverse
prognostic effect of prolonged glucocorticoid use. Further studies should assist in elaborating effective risk scales
and specific therapeutic programs for the prevention and treatment of CVD in patients with SLE.
