Your body is protected from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders by the network of specialized cells and organs that make up your immune system. However, occasionally immune cells target the body's own tissues inappropriately for reasons that are still mostly unknown. White blood cells and other chemicals are released as a result, which leads to inflammation and the pain, swelling, and redness that define many autoimmune diseases. However, inflammation also degrades the blood vessel linings, promoting the accumulation of fatty plaque that can cause atherosclerosis, restrict the arteries, increase blood pressure, and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. This relationship probably explains why heart disease rates are higher in those with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. But up until recently, it was unknown how serious and widespread this issue was.
Psoriasis causes skin inflammation that results in a scaly, pink, or dull-red skin rash that appears in spots, mainly on the scalp, in skin folds, and on the back of the elbow. Psoriatic arthritis, which causes morning stiffness and joint inflammation, particularly in the fingers, toes, or knees, affects around one in three people with psoriasis.
Rheumatoid arthritis. The tissue lining the joints is attacked by the immune system, resulting in inflammation that is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness. Usually, it affects several joints at once, particularly the hands and feet. Exhaustion and persistent stiffness in the morning are other symptoms.
Lupus. The inflammatory process that causes lupus can have an impact on almost every organ in the body, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. Fever and rheumatoid arthritis-like joint discomfort are typical early symptoms. A "butterfly rash" that runs over the cheekbones and nasal bridge is one noticeable sign. Additionally, harm to the kidneys, lungs, heart, and blood vessels may occur.
Numerous patients under her care have lupus, psoriatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis—three frequent diseases associated with cardiovascular issues.
Since autoimmune diseases usually affect people in their 20s or 30s, it is especially crucial to be aware of this increased risk. Consequently, cardiac issues might manifest up to ten years before they do in those without an inflammatory illness. A calcium scan helps determine an individual's risk and provide treatment recommendations by identifying early indicators of atherosclerosis. Sometimes symptoms (such as dyspnea while ascending stairs) that are really caused by heart disease are misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis.
Advice on treatment
Cardio-rheumatologists collaborate with rheumatologists to supervise the proper use of disease-modifying biologic therapies, some of which have a higher risk of cardiovascular adverse effects than others. They also prescribe statins and other treatments that reduce the risk of heart attacks.
People with autoimmune diseases benefit from the same diets that are advised for reducing heart disease. Sustaining a healthy weight is also beneficial. Many patients like swimming, which is easy on the joints. People with autoimmune diseases, especially those with severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, may have limited mobility, making exercise particularly challenging."
Others find yoga beneficial, particularly for the additional stress reduction and relaxation it offers. Another activity that might increase heart rate without overstressing the joints is using an elliptical machine.
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There are still too many PSA tests conducted on older men.
Researchers chose three million males who underwent routine PSA testing between 2003 and 2019 for the initial study, which appeared in Urology in April 2023. In comparison to younger men, males over the age of 70 were more likely to have high-frequency PSA testing, which is defined as testing more frequently than once every nine months.
On April 11, 2023, JAMA Network Open published a second study that surveyed over 32,000 men who were 70 years of age or older. Of the men in this age range, 55.3% had recently undergone a PSA screening. As people aged, the rate decreased, reaching 52.1% for those 75 to 79 and 39.4% for those 80 and above. Nevertheless, the study discovered that many men were still getting screening at ages older than those advised by the USPSTF, even though they would not benefit from routine PSA testing. The findings also revealed that older men often believe that PSA screening has more benefits than drawbacks. Any guy, regardless of age, should base his choice to continue PSA testing on a thoughtful conversation with his physician.
