Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease

Acute coronary syndrome is the leading cause of death worldwide, with the highest rates occurring in low-income global regions. This is possibly due to increasing levels of urbanization, which are accompanied by changes in diet and lifestyle, the most common risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Risk factors for CAD are divided into traditional and non-traditional risk factors. The traditional risk factors are the well-known and well-documented risk factors, which include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, and a familial history of CAD. The non-traditional risk factors, which are relatively less common, include inflammatory diseases or syndromes such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. Here, we present the case of a 41-year-old male businessman with no traditional risk factors for myocardial infarction, who presented with acute coronary syndrome complicated by acute respiratory failure. A workup revealed SLE as the underlying risk factor. He is currently doing well with management for both SLE and CAD.