Understanding Lupus Diagnosis and Cardiovascular Risks

The diagnosis of lupus can be challenging due to its heterogeneous symptoms, which often include fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. A clinical case study of a 31-year-old woman reveals how her initial symptoms were linked to an upper respiratory infection and led to a lupus diagnosis alongside preclinical atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. Laboratory findings showed inflammation markers, autoantibody presence, and elevated cholesterol levels, emphasizing the connection between lupus and cardiovascular disease. This highlights the urgent need to bridge gaps in understanding the biological pathways contributing to lupus-related cardiovascular risks.