Description

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be at increased risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). AMI can kill a patient with SLE even at a young age.


 

Risk factors for acute myocardial infarction in a patient with SLE:

(1) arteritis

(2) coronary artery aneurysm (secondary to arteritis)

(3) hypercoagulability with thrombosis

(4) smoking

(5) atherosclerosis

(6) stimulant abuse (cocaine, etc)

 

Acute ischemia needs to be differentiated from acute myocarditis.

 


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