Autoimmune Diseases Promoting Coronary Artery Disease in Women

BACKGROUND Autoimmune diseases are systemic inflammatory conditions affecting different organs, including the cardiovascular system. These diseases are more common in women and are associated with premature atherosclerosis with development of coronary artery disease at an early age. In these cases, coronary artery disease may be the first manifestation or may appear when autoimmune disease has already been established. Multiple factors are responsible for this accelerated process. According to the last guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women, women with autoimmune conditions are considered to be “at risk”. (1, 2) This means that women with this conditions are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this setting, the prevalence of ischemic heart disease has increased as a consequence of higher life expectancy in these patients due to improved therapy. (3) In turn, specific therapy for autoimmune diseases increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Premature coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with connective tissue disorders. (4, 5) The goal of this review is to update the impact of autoimmune diseases in coronary artery disease in women.