Use of Hydroxychloroquine May Provide Protection Against Cardiovascular Events in People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predisposes individuals to early cardiovascular (CV) events, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, and other thromboembolic events. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ, known commercially as Plaquenil) is recommended for most individuals with lupus, as it is thought to mitigate CV risk factors and protect against CV events. In a recent study, researchers explored the association between HCQ and the overall risk of CV events in people with SLE and found that those currently taking HCQ had lower odds of experiencing a CV outcome than individuals not taking the treatment. 

The cohort nested case-control study included 52,883 adults (86.6% female; 13.4% male) with SLE. Within the group, 1,981 individuals with CV conditions were matched with 16,892 individuals without CV conditions who served as controls. Furthermore, individuals were categorized into groups based on their HCQ usage: current users (taken within the last 90 days before a CV event), remote users (taken within the last 91-365 days before a CV event), and non-users (taken within the last 365 days). Researchers found that compared to non-HCQ users, HCQ users had a lower chance of experiencing a CV event, and were less likely to experience a myocardial infarction, stroke or other thromboembolic event. 

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading complications of lupus. The findings of this study support continuous HCQ use for people with SLE to protect against CV events, however further studies are needed. Learn more about hydroxychloroquine and the impact of lupus on heart health.

Read the study