A recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes reveals that women with common autoimmune diseases face substantially higher cardiovascular disease-related mortality risks compared to men. Researchers analyzed data from over 281,000 deaths associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and systemic sclerosis between 1999 and 2020.
The research uncovered striking gender disparities in cardiovascular death rates. Despite an overall decline in cardiovascular disease-related deaths, women experienced a 50% higher death rate than men. Notably, women with rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated the most significant disparity, with cardiovascular disease-related death rates approximately three times higher than men.
Key findings indicate that women with these autoimmune conditions were more than twice as likely to die from arrhythmia or cardiac arrest. Stroke and coronary artery disease emerged as the primary causes of cardiovascular deaths across all participants, with women consistently experiencing higher mortality rates.
The study underscores the critical need for targeted screening and early intervention strategies for women with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Researchers emphasized that approximately one-third of deaths in this population were cardiovascular-related, challenging previous perceptions about primary causes of mortality in autoimmune disease patients.
With an estimated 27 million Americans living with autoimmune diseases, these findings have significant implications for healthcare providers and patients. The research highlights the importance of understanding gender-specific health risks and developing comprehensive cardiovascular prevention approaches for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
