The Heart in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

The Heart in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Second Edition, provides an overview on our current understanding of major complications relating to the heart and autoimmune diseases. It includes the latest information on the new pathogenetic mechanisms involved, along with clinical manifestations of these important comortbidities. Mortality in autoimmune diseases, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis and SLE, has increased when compared with the general population. This excess mortality is largely due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)-particularly those of atherosclerotic origin, such as ischemic heart disease-and is gaining recognition in all branches of medicine, from cardiology, to internal medicine, and from rheumatologists to orthopedics. Presents an impressive body of well ordered information on the topic of cardiovascular diseases and their relationship to autoimmune illness Highlights key references Summarizes the experience of a selected panel of distinguished physician-scientists who are actively involved in the field of cardiovascular disease and systemic autoimmunity