The Surprising Link Between Autoimmune Diseases and Heart Attack Risk

Autoimmune diseases do more than cause fatigue, joint pain, or skin problems—they can silently affect your heart. Chronic inflammation, a hallmark of many autoimmune disorders, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even in people who appear otherwise healthy. Understanding the Link Between Autoimmune Diseases and Heart Attack Risk is crucial for prevention. 

Early detection, monitoring for autoimmune heart disease, and managing Autoimmune disease affecting the heart can help protect your cardiovascular health and reduce life-threatening complications.

Just about everyone has been shocked to hear about a fit, seemingly healthy person who died suddenly from a heart attack in his or her early 40s. Such tragedies are devastating for families who have lost a loved one–and scary for the person’s friends and coworkers, who wonder how someone who appeared to be in perfect health could fall victim to a heart attack. Did the person’s doctor miss something?

Unlike standard care, which checks patients for traditional CVD risk factors, such as high cholesterol, smoking or high blood pressure, the BaleDoneen Method also uses advanced lab tests and imaging to directly check each patient for hidden signs of arterial disease, which often causes no symptoms until it gets severe enough to spark a heart attack or stroke. While this comprehensive approach provides the most accurate risk assessment, a wide range of nontraditional “red flags,” including having certain autoimmune diseases, may signal elevated risk for CV events. If you’re one of the 23.5 million Americans who have autoimmune diseases, here’s what you need to know to take optimal care of your heart health.

The effect of autoimmune diseases on heart risk depends on which disease you have

For example, a recent study reported that people with lupus are up to 50 times more likely to have a heart attack than those without the disease, while other research reports that heart attack risk is doubled in those with Sjögren’s syndrome. However, a systematic review that compared 156,108 people with various autoimmune diseases with 373,851 healthy people of the same age and gender found that overall, those with autoimmune conditions had a 20 percent rise in risk for developing CVD and/or type 2 diabetes. Of all the conditions the researchers studied, the one with the least cardiovascular impact was Crohn’s disease (a bowel disorder), which hiked CVD and diabetes risk by 6 percent over an 11-year period.

Chronic inflammation is a key reason why autoimmune diseases are linked to higher risk for CVD and diabetes

A family of more than 100 conditions, autoimmune diseases all work the same way: The body turns on itself because the immune system mistakes healthy cells, tissues or organs for foreign invaders, unleashing normally protective reactions, such as inflammation, that never end. In the systematic review, the highest risk for CVD and/or diabetes was found in autoimmune disease sufferers with the most severe inflammation.

Psoriasis is not just skin deep

October 29 marks World Psoriasis Day, dedicated to raising awareness of an autoimmune disease that is often mistakenly thought to mainly be a cosmetic issue. Actually, younger patients with severe psoriasis have a 2.5 times higher risk of suffering a fatal heart attack or stroke than people of the same age and sex without the disease. What’s more, people with severe psoriasis may suffer their first CV event by age 40. This suggests that even young people with psoriasis should consider getting a comprehensive BaleDoneen Method health assessment.

All heart attacks and strokes are potentially preventable

While having an autoimmune disease can raise risk for developing CVD—the leading killer of American men and women–the good news is that there are a variety of effective, science-backed treatments that help you avoid CVD. If you already have it, therapies include personalized lifestyle and dietary changes, oral wellness (since inflammation from gum disease can contribute to CV risk), medications and supplements. A new peer-reviewed study shows that the BaleDoneen Method is highly effective at rapidly shrinking and stabilizing arterial plaque in people with CVD, so it won’t leap out and cause a heart attack or stroke.

How Autoimmune Diseases Affect the Heart

Autoimmune diseases vary in how they affect cardiovascular health. For example, lupus patients may be up to 50 times more likely to experience a heart attack, while Sjögren’s syndrome doubles heart risk. Even conditions like psoriasis can lead to earlier cardiovascular events in young adults. Chronic inflammation is a key driver, making it important to monitor autoimmune heart disease closely, detect Autoimmune disease heart symptoms, and manage Autoimmune disease affecting heart effectively.

Prevention and Treatment

The BaleDoneen Method emphasizes early detection and personalized care, including lab testing, imaging, lifestyle changes, and medications when necessary. Patients can benefit from targeted Autoimmune heart disease treatment and strategies to reduce Cardiovascular risk in autoimmune diseases, preventing heart attacks before they happen.

FAQs

What is the best diet to reverse autoimmune disease?

A diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and anti-inflammatory fats can help reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune disease. Avoiding processed foods, refined sugar, and excessive dairy may also help manage symptoms.

Can you live long with autoimmune disease?

Yes. With proper medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and monitoring of inflammation, many people with autoimmune diseases live full, healthy lives. Early intervention is key to reducing complications, including heart problems.

What is the root cause of autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. Genetics, environmental triggers, infections, and chronic inflammation all contribute to the development of these conditions.

Can autoimmune disease cause heart problems?

Yes. Chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune disease can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. Early detection and management are critical for reducing this risk.