Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Counseling Program for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Objective. To determine if a cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention counseling program for lupus patients decreases the prevalence of CVD risk factors. Methods. The assessment phase of a 3-year CVD prevention counseling program included the evaluation of CVD risk factors, diet, exercise habits, and medications. The education phase included discussion of the above risk factors, as well as CVD and thrombosis prevention strategies. Patients were prospectively followed every 3-6 months for risk assessment and continued education by a nurse practitioner and a medical doctor. Results. Between March 2009 and December 2014, 121 patients were included. At baseline, abnormal blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol profile, and body mass index were found in 50 (41%), 7 (6%), 82 (68%), and 77 (64%) patients, respectively. During the 3-year followup, among those with abnormal baseline values, prevalence of abnormal blood pressure significantly decreased (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.92-0.96, P < 0.0001) with significant mean +/- SD systolic blood pressure improvement (-6.12 +/- 2.16 mm Hg; P < 0.05). The prevalence of abnormal cholesterol profile significantly decreased (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.92-0.96) with significant improvements in mean +/- SD high-density lipoprotein (+5.4 +/- 0.36 mg/dl; P < 0.0001) and triglyceride levels (-12.6 +/- 5.40 mg/dl; P < 0.05), and no significant change in blood glucose and body mass index was observed. At baseline, 100 (83%) and 95 (79%) patients had poor diet and physical activity, respectively; during the followup, both significantly improved in the entire population. Conclusion. Our data suggest that a CVD prevention counseling program decreases the prevalence of some CVD risk factors in lupus patients.