Lupus & Life: Heart Health, Lupus, and How You Can Take Control
April 27, 2026 —
How does lupus impact heart health?
People living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with even greater risk among those with lupus nephritis.
Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, convened leading rheumatologists and people living with lupus for the first in our webinar series, “Lupus & Life: Science, Support, and Self-Care,” to take a closer look at lupus and heart health.
Moderated by Dr. Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman, the webinar covers the emergence of GLP-1 medications, sustainable weight management, and the importance of a lifestyle routine for heart health.
Hear from:
Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman, MD at Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology, who provided an overview of why cardiovascular disease is important to consider among people with SLE.
Kaamilah Gilyard, a person living with lupus, who shared her experience coping with what she calls “the vicious cycle of lupus” of the interrelation between lupus and cardiovascular disease – and how she takes control by tracking symptoms.
Paula Harvey, MD at Women’s College Hospital, who explained why people with lupus are at greater risk for cardiovascular illness as well as its common treatments and suggested lifestyle modifications. She also discussed research exploring using GLP-1 drugs for people with lupus and the effects of stress on heart health.
Erika Reyna, a person living with lupus, who described her experience with taking GLP-1 medication to help manage weight as well as some of her other variety of lupus symptoms while adjusting her diet for heart health. She also provided tips on noticing and managing stress.
This panel provided an engaging learning experience about lupus and heart health from both a professional and personal perspective. Click here to watch.
