Lupus patients benefit from cardiovascular disease prevention counseling

Lupus patients need to educate themselves on heart-healthy
methods due to their increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Photo: Sanja Gjenero

The Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, conducted a study on the benefits of lupus patients receiving cardiovascular disease prevention counseling. Their findings were outlined at the American College of Rheumatology Scientific Meeting of 2009 on October 21.

 According to the press release, “most lupus patients are not aware that their condition puts them at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and a counseling program is a valuable way to promote education and lifestyle change.”

“Lupus patients are battling systemic inflammation, which in itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” said Doruk Erkan, M.D, director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Counseling Program for Lupus Patients at the Hospital for Special Surgery. “But many of them do not know their risk, so it is extremely important to get counseling so they are aware of other risk factors that can be managed, such as smoking, obesity and hypertension.”

A previous study conducted by the Hospital for Special Surgery in conjunction with the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center found lupus patients were 140% more likely to develop atherosclerosis, a precursor to cardiovascular disease, than lupus-free individuals. The percentage increased to 480% in lupus patients who were 40 years of age or younger.

"Lupus is best known for leading to kidney, neurologic, skin and brain disease. Now we know that lupus is also directly responsible for plaque build-up that may result in heart attack, stroke, and other negative cardiovascular outcomes," said Dr. Mary J. Roman, a cardiologist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and principal investigator of the study.

The Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Counseling Program for Lupus Patients began in March 2009. The program is designed to educate lupus patients on controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and to help them “think beyond their primary condition and take steps for future wellness.”

“Physicians should recognize that patients do not understand their cardiovascular risk,” said Dr. Erkan. “Educating them about these risks should be considered a part of standard lupus care. We would encourage other hospitals to create similar programs.”