The Role of Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Cardiovascular Disease

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with various cardiovascular manifestations. These include accelerated atherosclerosis, valvular heart disease, intracardiac thrombi, myocardial and pericardial involvement, cerebral and peripheral vascular disease, and premature restenosis of vein grafts and coronary stents. This article reviews the prevalence and proposed mechanisms of the various cardiovascular diseases associated with APS. It concludes with a discussion of current recommendations for treatment of these conditions.