Timing and Predictors of Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Risk Occurs Early and Highlights Racial Disparities

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects Black people 2 to 3 times more frequently than non-Black people and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. This study from HIP Investigator Dr. Christie Bartels assessed the timing and predictors of incident CVD in a predominantly Black population-based SLE cohort.

Incident SLE cases from the population-based Georgia Lupus Registry were validated as having a CVD event through review of medical records and matching with the Georgia Hospital Discharge Database and the National Death Index. The study found that the frequency of incident CVD events peaked in years 2 and 11 after SLE diagnosis and that being Black or having a discoid rash were strong predictors of an incident CVD event.