Autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular risk

There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases which collectively affect 4-8% of the world's population. In a recent study published in Lancet, Conrad et al. found that 19 autoimmune diseases are associated with a composite of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inflammation promotes atherosclerotic CVD with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis recognized as CVD risk enhancers. New strategies are needed to identify and mitigate the impact of chronic inflammation on CVD-related morbidity and mortality.