Title:Cardio-Rheumatology: Cardiovascular Complications in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases / Is Inflammation the Common Link and Target?
Volume: 18
Issue: 5
Author(s): Antonis S. Manolis*Athanasios G. Tzioufas
Affiliation:
- Third Department of Cardiology, Athens University, School of Medicine, Athens,Greece
Keywords:
Autoimmune rheumatic disease, cardiovascular disease, cardiorheumatology, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, Sjogren’s disease, spondyloarthropathies, systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, antirheumatic
drugs, cardiovascular imaging, coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction,
stroke.
Abstract: In the current Thematic Issue of Current Vascular Pharmacology (CVP), entitled “Systemic Autoimmune
Rheumatic Diseases and Cardiology”, presented in two parts, Part 1 and Part 2, review articles are included from specialists
in cardiology, rheumatology, immunology and related fields. These reviews discuss the cardiovascular complications
of the main systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (ARDs). For example, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms,
the role of cardiovascular imaging and recommendations for prevention and management. These articles place inflammation
as the key process, linking cardiovascular complications with ARDs. From all these reviews, the conclusion is the
need for collaboration between the disciplines of Rheumatology and Cardiology to establish the emerging field of Cardio-
Rheumatology. This will aid to fine-tune risk stratification and optimize preventive strategies and pharmacological therapies
for patients with ARDs.
