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Predicting risk of heart disease for people living with lupus

Arthritis Research Canada/Arthrite-recherche Canada’s scientific team is tackling challenges faced by over 6 million Canadians living with arthritis – challenges that can interfere with everyday life. Through 100+ research projects, they are finding ways to prevent arthritis, diagnose people earlier, manage symptoms, provide new and better treatments and improve overall quality of life. We are excited to share #3 on Arthritis Research Canada's list of 10 Research Projects to Watch in 2023 this week.

#3 Predicting Risk of Heart Disease for People with Lupus

Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, are more common in people with systemic lupus erythematosus. An accurate way to measure cardiovascular risk specifically for people with lupus is needed to identify patients who may benefit from measures to prevent heart diseases.

Choosing the ‘best’ treatment option for each patient should be based on the most up-to date data about its effectiveness and safety, and individualized to the specific situation of each person, as well as patient preferences.

This study aims to develop and test a tool that will improve the accuracy of predicting each person’s the risk of heart attacks and strokes, in people with lupus.

Scientists will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop and test the SLE_CALCULATOR, a tool to predict risk of heart disease and stroke in people with lupus. Machine learning teaches computers to learn information from data using statistics.

This tool will use large amounts of clinical and biomarker data on risk factors for heart diseases and strokes in thousands of lupus patients. The tool will be available online for doctors and patients use.

Click here to learn more about this research study.