Autoimmune Cardiac Disorders

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Does pt have a distinct cardiovascular syndrome such as CHF, pericarditis or a conduction disturbance? If so, then treat these as usual initially (ie, stabilize pt & initiate standard therapy).
  • Does pt have a known systemic autoimmune disorder? This should raise suspicion of cardiovascular involvement, especially if there is an unusual presentation (eg, ischemia, aneurysms or multiple thrombi in a young person).
  • Have cardiovascular abnormalities occurred in the setting of systemic illness? Consider primary systemic vasculitis.

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Last updated: April 19, 2010