RT Book, Section
A1 Carroll, Emily
A1 Ali,  Yousaf
A2 Fuster, Valentin
A2 Narula, Jagat
A2 Vaishnava, Prashant
A2 Leon, Martin B.
A2 Callans, David J.
A2 Rumsfeld, John S.
A2 Poppas, Athena
SR Print(0)
ID 1202453310
T1 Rheumatologic Disease and the Cardiovascular System
T2 Fuster and Hurst's The Heart, 15e
YR 2022
FD 2022
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781264257560
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1202453310
RD 2024/04/19
AB Chapter  SummaryThis  chapter  covers  the  most  common  rheumatologic  diseases  encountered  by  cardiovascular  clinicians,  including  connective  tissue  diseases,  vasculitis,  and  crystalline  arthritis.  An  overview  of  clinical  presentations,  diagnostic  work-ups,  and  recommended  treatments  is  provided,  with  special  attention  paid  to  the  cardiovascular  manifestations  of  these  conditions.  Increased  levels  of  inflammation  in  rheumatologic  patients  are  a  primary  driver  of  their  symptoms  and  play  a  large  role  in  the  development  of  associated  cardiovascular  disease  (see  Fuster  and  Hurst’s  Central  Illustration).  Because  of  the  systemic  nature  of  rheumatologic  illnesses,  inflammation  can  be  seen  throughout  the  heart  and  its  pericardial  lining,  as  well  as  in  various-sized  blood  vessels.  Over  time,  this  inflammation  can  lead  to  fibrosis,  infiltrative  disease,  and  cardiovascular  dysfunction.  Underlying  inflammation  also  creates  a  hypercoagulable  state,  putting  these  patients  at  risk  of  thromboembolic  events.  Additionally,  increased  inflammation  may  be  a  significant  risk  factor  for  developing  accelerated  atherosclerosis  and  future  cardiovascular  disease.  Early  recognition  and  treatment  of  the  underlying  inflammatory  process  is  vital  for  cardiovascular  health.