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In lupus patients, the coronary arteries can become narrowed or
blocked, this is known as coronary artery disease, & can lead
to chest pain & heart attack.
Inflammation of the artery wall, known as arteritis, can lead to
narrowing of the coronary arteries.
The narrowing can also be due to cholesterol deposits in the artery
wall, known as atherosclerosis, or blood clots.
People with lupus who take steroids have a higher risk of developing
atherosclerosis.
Coronary artery disease can be prevented by controlling the activity
of lupus, monitoring steroid use, & controlling cardiac risk
factors (reduce fat intake, take exercise, etc).
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