When you think of heart disease, you might picture high cholesterol, high blood pressure or smoking as the top risk factors. But did you know that some autoimmune diseases can also raise your risk for heart problems?

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriasis cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues. This can lead to long-term inflammation – not just in joints or skin, but throughout the body, including the heart.

Which Autoimmune Diseases Can Affect the Heart?

Several autoimmune conditions are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. These include:

?     Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mainly affecting the joints, RA can also cause swelling and irritation (inflammation) in the protective sac around your heart. With a higher chance of your arteries becoming hard and blocked, there is an increased risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

?      Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus can cause inflammation in blood vessels and the lining of the heart.

?      Psoriasis. This skin condition may affect blood vessels and increase inflammation in the heart.

?      Scleroderma. This rare disease can cause thickening of the arteries and heart tissue.

All these conditions involve chronic inflammation. Over time, that can damage blood vessels, making them more prone to plaque buildup and narrowing. This can reduce blood flow to the heart and increase the chance of a heart attack.

Why Does Inflammation Matter?

Your immune system is designed to protect you. But when it becomes overactive, it can cause harm. In people with autoimmune diseases, immune cells release chemicals called pro-inflammatory cytokines. These can affect the heart’s function and structure – especially if the inflammation lasts for months or years.

This adds another layer of risk beyond the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes.

What Can You Do to Stay Heart Healthy?

While you can manage it, you can’t always control your autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions have no cure, but treatments can help you manage symptoms, and lifestyle changes can help support your heart. These tips can help lower your overall risk of heart and vascular disease:

?      Follow your treatment plan. Taking medications as prescribed can help reduce inflammation and protect your heart and joints.

?      Stay active. Talk with your provider about safe ways to exercise regularly.

?      Eat a heart-healthy diet. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit foods high in saturated fat, added sugar and salt.

?      Don’t smoke. Smoking increases inflammation and damages blood vessels.

?      Manage stress. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and worsen inflammation.

?      See your provider regularly. Ask about your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and any new symptoms you experience.