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autoimmune disease of cardiovascular system

ICD-10 Codes

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Description

Autoimmune diseases can have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, leading to various conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

  • Inflammation: Autoimmune diseases can cause chronic inflammation in the cardiovascular system, which can lead to damage to the heart valves, pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), and blood vessels [6].
  • Cardiac involvement: The whole structure of the heart can be affected, causing microcirculatory disorders, arrhythmias, pericardial damage, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and other conditions [8].
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: People with autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its clinical manifestations [5].

Some specific autoimmune diseases that can affect the cardiovascular system include:

  • Rheumatic heart disease: Inflammation caused by rheumatic fever can damage the heart valves.
  • Pericarditis: Inflammation in the sac surrounding the heart can cause pain and other symptoms.

The immune system's attack on cardiac tissue is a hallmark of autoimmune heart disease [9]. This condition can lead to various complications, including:

  • Microcirculatory disorders: Damage to the small blood vessels that supply the heart muscle.
  • Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Pericardial damage: Inflammation and scarring in the sac surrounding the heart.

Overall, autoimmune diseases can have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, leading to various conditions that require prompt medical attention.

Additional Characteristics

  • Inflammation
  • Pericarditis
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cardiac involvement
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Rheumatic heart disease
  • Microcirculatory disorders
  • Pericardial damage

Signs and Symptoms

Autoimmune diseases can affect various parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases affecting the heart:

  • Chest pain: This is a common symptom of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) caused by an autoimmune response [3][9].
  • Shortness of breath: Autoimmune myocarditis can also cause shortness of breath due to impaired heart function [7].
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat: Myocarditis and other autoimmune cardiac conditions can lead to arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms [1][9].
  • Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of many autoimmune diseases, including those affecting the cardiovascular system [5].
  • Fever: Fever is often present in patients with autoimmune myocarditis and other cardiac conditions [2][3].

Additionally, some autoimmune diseases can cause more specific symptoms related to the cardiovascular system:

  • Pericardial damage: Autoimmune pericarditis can cause inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium), leading to chest pain and shortness of breath [8].
  • Myocardial damage: Myocarditis caused by autoimmune diseases can lead to scarring and thickening of the heart muscle, impairing its function [9].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced in other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or infections. A proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms.

References: [1] - Search result 3 [2] - Search result 2 [3] - Search result 3 [5] - Search result 5 [7] - Search result 7 [8] - Search result 8 [9] - Search result 1 and 9

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

Autoimmune diseases can affect various parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system. When it comes to diagnosing autoimmune diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are used.

Common Blood Tests

Several blood tests can help detect markers of autoimmunity or autoantibodies in the context of cardiovascular disease:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures various components of your blood, including red and white blood cells, to rule out conditions like anemia or infection.
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: This test evaluates your liver and kidney function, as well as electrolyte levels, to ensure they are within normal ranges.
  • C-reactive Protein (CRP): Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation in the body, which can be a sign of autoimmune disease.
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube, with higher rates indicating inflammation.

Imaging Tests

In addition to blood tests, imaging studies are used to evaluate heart function and detect any structural abnormalities:

  • Transthoracic Echocardiography: This non-invasive ultrasound test evaluates heart structure and function.
  • Coronary Angiography: While not specifically for autoimmune disease, this test is essential in diagnosing coronary artery stenosis or blockages.

Other Investigations

A detailed clinical history and physical examination are crucial in identifying symptoms and signs of autoimmune diseases affecting the cardiovascular system. Other investigations may include:

  • Detailed clinical history to identify symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations.
  • Physical examination to assess heart rate, blood pressure, and any abnormalities in heart sounds.

These diagnostic tests can help healthcare professionals diagnose and manage autoimmune diseases affecting the cardiovascular system. However, it's essential to note that a combination of these tests is often used to confirm a diagnosis, as symptoms can overlap with other conditions.

References:

  • [1] Components of the laboratory exam include complete blood count with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel, inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, and flow cytometry.
  • [3] Common blood tests used to diagnose autoimmune diseases may detect markers of autoimmunity (like CRP, ESR, ferritin, and IgA tests) or autoantibodies.
  • [5] ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-reactive protein) are two common blood tests for autoimmune disease used to measure inflammation.
  • [6] A diagnosis of autoimmune diseases is obtained by using a combination of: Detailed clinical history,; Physical examination, and; Other investigations, including imaging studies.

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  • C-reactive Protein (CRP)
  • Transthoracic Echocardiography

Treatment

Treatment Options for Autoimmune Diseases Affecting the Cardiovascular System

Autoimmune diseases can have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, leading to various complications such as inflammation, damage to blood vessels, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to manage these conditions.

  • Immunosuppressants: These medications can help control autoimmune responses and reduce inflammation in the body. Examples include methotrexate (used at low doses for treatment of autoimmune disease) [2], hydroxychloroquine (associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and other thromboembolic events) [6], and colchicine (the first drug on the market for inflammation that reduces this risk) [10].
  • Cyclophosphamide: This medication is often used to treat valvulitis, a condition where the heart valves become inflamed. It can also be used to treat other autoimmune diseases affecting the cardiovascular system [7].
  • Glucocorticosteroids (GC): While GCs can have negative effects on glucose metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they are still an important treatment option for managing autoimmune diseases affecting the cardiovascular system [1].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that each patient is unique, and the most effective treatment plan will depend on individual factors such as disease severity, overall health, and medical history. Additionally, long-term use of certain medications can have side effects, such as cardiomyopathy and ensuing congestive heart failure resulting from chloroquine therapy [9].

References

[1] Abdominal obesity, antihypertensive medication, disease activity, and use of glucocorticosteroids (GC) affect glucose metabolism in RA patients.

[2] Methotrexate is an immune suppressing drug. It is used at low doses for treatment of autoimmune disease.

[3] The treatment of AD may further affect the cardiovascular system and result in a lower quality of life, higher mortality, and increased cost of healthcare.

[4] Immunosuppressants can help manage your condition and protect organ function, such as by controlling inflammation.

[5] Underlying rheumatic autoimmune disease was associated with reduced use of coronary interventions for MI and a 15% increase in all-cause mortality.

[6] Continued use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and other thromboembolic events.

[7] Valvulitis can occur and most commonly involves the mitral valve. Cyclophosphamide is the drug of choice for treatment of this disorder.

[8] Immunosuppressive medications are used to control more serious lupus activity that affects major organs, including the kidney, brain, cardiovascular system.

[9] Cardiomyopathy and ensuing congestive HF resulting from long-term chloroquine therapy have also been reported, albeit rarely [64–66].

[10] Colchicine is the first drug we have on the market for inflammation that reduces this risk.

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Autoimmune Diseases Affecting the Cardiovascular System

The differential diagnosis of autoimmune diseases affecting the cardiovascular system involves a range of conditions that can cause inflammation and damage to the heart, blood vessels, and other cardiac structures. Some of these conditions include:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system. SLE can cause inflammation in the heart, leading to damage and dysfunction [5].
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: This condition can also affect the cardiovascular system, causing inflammation and damage to the heart and blood vessels [6].
  • Adult-Onset Still Disease: This is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system [8].
  • Systemic Sclerosis: This condition can cause inflammation and scarring in the skin and other organs, including the cardiovascular system [8].

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of these conditions can vary depending on the specific disease and its severity. However, some common symptoms include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the legs and feet
  • Abnormal heart rhythms

Differential Diagnosis

To diagnose autoimmune diseases affecting the cardiovascular system, healthcare providers will typically perform a physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and order various tests, such as:

  • Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart.
  • Blood tests: These can help detect inflammation and other markers of autoimmune disease.

References

[5] Systemic lupus erythematosus. In: Post TW, ed. UpToDate. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 21].

[6] Rheumatoid arthritis. In: Post TW, ed. UpToDate. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 21].

[8] Connective tissue diseases. In: Post TW, ed. UpToDate. 2022 [cited 2024 Nov 21].

Additional Differential Diagnoses

Additional Information

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