Cardio-Rheumatology: Cardiovascular Complications in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases / Is Inflammation the Common Link and Target?

Abstract

In the current Thematic Issue of Current Vascular Pharmacology (CVP), entitled "Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and Cardiology", presented in two parts, Part 1 and Part 2, review articles are included from specialists in cardiology, rheumatology, immunology and related fields. These reviews discuss the cardiovascular complications of the main systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (ARDs). For example, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, the role of cardiovascular imaging and recommendations for prevention and management. These articles place inflammation as the key process, linking cardiovascular complications with ARDs. From all these reviews, the conclusion is the need for collaboration between the disciplines of Rheumatology and Cardiology to establish the emerging field of Cardio-Rheumatology. This will aid to fine-tune risk stratification and optimize preventive strategies and pharmacological therapies for patients with ARDs.