People with lupus have a higher risk of developing heart disease. But there are steps you can take to help lower your risk.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease includes different conditions that affect the heart, but usually, when people talk about heart disease, they are referring to coronary artery disease (CAD). 

CAD is the most common type of heart disease. It happens when fatty deposits, called plaque, buildup in the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart (called the coronary arteries). This buildup makes the  blood vessels narrow, which means less blood can reach the heart. If a coronary artery gets completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

Symptoms of CAD can include:

• Tightness or pain in the chest, especially in the middle or on the left side of the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling very tired

Some people only notice symptoms of CAD when the heart is beating hard — during strenuous activity, for example. You might not notice CAD symptoms at first, but they generally get worse as the coronary arteries continue to narrow.

Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death for people with lupus.

Why are people with lupus at higher risk for heart disease? 

Certain factors can raise your risk for heart disease. Although anyone can have these risk factors, they are more common among people with lupus: 

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Additionally, certain habits — like smoking and not getting enough physical activity — can raise anyone’s risk for heart disease. 

People with lupus have a higher risk of developing heart disease if they: 

• Were diagnosed with lupus at an older age 
• Have had lupus for a long time
• Have been using steroid medicines for long time  
• Have lupus that’s more active
• Also have kidney disease
• Use NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Read more about how lupus affects the heart.

Can heart disease be prevented?

Some risk factors for heart disease are outside of your control — but there are some steps you can take to help lower your risk.

To help prevent heart disease, try these healthy habits:

• Don’t smoke or use other types of tobacco
• Eat heart-healthy foods — like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limit foods with a lot of sodium (salt) or saturated fats
• Drink less alcohol, only in moderation — that means up to 1 drink a day for women, and 2 drinks a day for men
• Stay at a healthy body weight — ask your doctor what’s a healthy weight for you
• Move your body by doing activities you enjoy
• Keep your cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes (if you have it) under control

Read more about ways to lower your risk for heart disease.

How is heart disease treated?

Once a person gets heart disease, it stays with them for life. However, there are treatments available that can help them live longer and feel better with heart disease. 

Heart disease treatment can include: 

• Lifestyle changes
  • Quitting smoking
  • Getting more physical activity
  • Changing what you eat
• Taking medicines
• Surgery to reopen a blocked blood vessel or redirect blood around a blocked vessel

Read more about heart disease treatment.