Women with Autoimmune Diseases Face Higher Cardiovascular Death Risk

A recent study published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes has uncovered a stark gender disparity in cardiovascular disease-related deaths among individuals with autoimmune diseases. Researchers analyzed over 127,000 deaths and found that women with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or systemic sclerosis have substantially higher cardiovascular mortality rates compared to men.

The research tracked deaths between 1999 and 2020, revealing that while overall cardiovascular disease-related deaths declined for both genders, women consistently experienced higher mortality rates. Specifically, women with these autoimmune conditions had a 50% higher cardiovascular disease-related death rate than men, with the most significant disparity observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Key findings indicate that women were more than twice as likely to die from arrhythmia or cardiac arrest compared to men. The primary causes of cardiovascular-related deaths were coronary artery disease and stroke, with women experiencing higher rates in both categories.

The study underscores the critical need for targeted cardiovascular screening and prevention strategies for women with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Researchers emphasize the importance of early risk factor identification and continuous monitoring, as these conditions disproportionately affect women's cardiovascular health.

With approximately 27 million Americans living with autoimmune diseases, this research provides crucial insights into gender-specific health risks and calls for more comprehensive medical approaches to address these significant disparities.