Myocarditis can lead to tissue damage and replace heart tissue with scar tissue. Although they may cause heart murmurs, it is uncommon for these growths to significantly affect the function of the valves. This too is uncommon, but potentially very serious, and requires hospitalization. Rarely does the inflammation and scarring of valves lead to a deformity requiring valve replacement. These arteries deliver blood and oxygen to the heart muscle and are vital to the heart's pumping function.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of coronary artery disease in lupus.
Research studies suggest that lupus patients receiving steroids have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis. Prevention is the primary treatment of coronary artery disease. Controlling cardiac risk factors and lupus disease activity and carefully monitoring steroid use are required to prevent heart attacks in people with lupus. The heart damage described can develop from the inflammation of active lupus or from medications. Treatment of cardiac problems must be individualized for each patient and each problem.