The Heart in Rheumatic, Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases ― Pathophysiology, Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Approaches

The Heart in Rheumatologic, Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases: Pathophysiology, Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Approaches examines the complex mechanisms related to cardiac diseases in rheumatologic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions from a pathophysiological and clinical point-of-view.

It is known that some rheumatologic diseases are associated with a higher risk of cardiac involvements that can have major influences on clinical outcomes, quality of life, and overall prognosis. Also, systemic inflammatory conditions and autoimmune processes may affect the heart. Surprisingly, many rheumatologists and cardiologists are unaware of cardiac involvement in rheumatologic and inflammatory diseases.

This important reference brings together an understanding of the molecular and cellular processes and natural history of cardiac abnormalities in rheumatologic and inflammatory diseases, making this essential reading for improving patient care and forwarding research in this area. In addition, a broad review of novel therapeutic approaches with special attention to the cardiovascular aspects of treatments for rheumatologic and inflammatory conditions will provide the caregiver with a valuable reference.

• Reviews common medical cardiac complications of prevalent rheumatologic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
• Addresses aspects of pathophysiological processes, clinical presentations, prognostic implications, and novel therapeutic approaches
• Presents an up-to-date level of evidence and strengths of recommendations for suggested therapies, and reviews all randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and other supporting published clinical findings
• Divides chapters into a unique substructure, simplifying the presentation of this complex subject area