The Leading Causes of Death in Lupus
There have been many advancements in the treatment and diagnosis of lupus. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle many people with lupus can live a normal life.
When lupus is fatal, it’s usually due to heart or blood vessel problems, kidney failure, or serious infections.
Some groups of people — such as those who are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or Alaska Native, and Asian American or Pacific Islander — have higher rates of lupus and experience worse outcomes (health disparities) than other groups. The reasons for this are complex and connected to factors like unequal access to treatments and other factors that support good health. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is committed to addressing these inequities.
Heart disease
Many people with lupus experience problems with their heart, lungs, and blood . Lupus increases your risk of cardiovascular disease or “heart disease”, which is a leading cause of death among patients with lupus. Learn more about heart disease in people with lupus .
But there are things you can do to reduce your risk for heart disease:
- Don’t smoke or use other types of nicotine products
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
- Get regular physical activity
Read more about lupus and the heart, lungs, and blood.
Kidney failure
Kidney problems are common in people with lupus. Sometimes, lupus can cause a type of kidney disease called lupus nephritis.
Lupus nephritis can cause kidney failure. But greater access to therapies and treatments — including transplants — has reduced the number of deaths due to kidney failure.
To help protect your kidneys:
- Make healthy choices about what you eat and drink — you can work with your doctor to make a plan that’s right for you
Work with your doctor to address other problems, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Serious infections
Lupus affects the immune system, and treatments for lupus often affect the immune system too. When your immune system isn’t working like it should, you’re more likely to get infections which can be serious and even life-threatening.
You can take steps to protect yourself from infections — including staying up to date on vaccines and avoiding contact with people who may be sick.
Our health educators are available to answer your questions and give you the help you need.