Lupus-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that generates chronic inflammation. Lupus may cause disease of the nervous system, joints, kidneys, lungs and skin. Early symptoms include red, scaly rashes on the cheeks and nose and may spread to the extremities. The cause of lupus is not known, however it has been observed that heredity, viruses, UV light and drugs may contribute to the disease.
PH and lupus are two separate diseases, and it is important to know that pulmonary hypertension does not generate or cause lupus. Nevertheless, some lupus patients may develop PH over time. Lupus may generate high blood pressure in the lungs, and for that reason individuals with lupus and suspected PH should be examined thoroughly to understand what may be contributing to PH. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association has recently posted a guideline on these two diseases. This guideline may be of interest to patients who have lupus.
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