Can lupus cause heart problems?

A decrease in blood flow can cause angina (chest pain). However, if the blood flow to your heart is interrupted -- either by plaque or by a blood clot that develops when plaque breaks off -- you could be at risk for a heart attack. When you have lupus, you are at increased risk for coronary artery disease. read more

Heart and Lungs. Lupus raises your chances of heart disease and stroke. This is probably due to the long-term inflammation that comes with lupus. Some lupus medicines, such as steroids, may also increase the risk. Lupus causes inflammation of the heart or the sac that surrounds it. This can cause sharp pain in the chest. Lupus also may inflame the outside lining of your lungs. Pain often gets worse with deep breaths. This is called pleurisy. read more

Lupus is associated with heart valve disease. The generalized inflammation associated with lupus can cause various products of inflammation to be deposited on the heart valves. These inflammatory products, which often include components of blood clots, immune complexes, and inflammatory cells, can form "vegetations," which are wart-like growths. read more

If it can’t work properly, you’re at risk of infection, digestive problems, and diabetes. Lupus can cause inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis, either from inflamed blood vessels or medications, like steroids or immunosuppressants used to treat the disease. Circulatory system. Having lupus can affect your heart and blood vessels. read more