TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Rheumatologic Disease and the Cardiovascular System 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 PY - 2022 T2 - Fuster and Hurst's The Heart, 15e 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. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/10/12 UR - accesscardiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1202453310 ER -