A study published in Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography has found that heart function problems are relatively common in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 

Researchers analyzed data from 76 patients with SLE who had heart ultrasounds (echocardiograms) done within three months of seeing a rheumatologist. The results were reviewed to determine reduced heart function, especially in the heart's ability to contract and relax properly. A key measure was global longitudinal strain (GLS), where a reading of 18% or worse was considered abnormal.

They found that 24% of patients had reduced GLS, indicating early or mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Nearly half of those with low GLS also had low ejection fractions (under 50%). Patients with reduced GLS were more likely to report heart failure symptoms. They had features of more severe lupus, including kidney problems and past pericarditis.

The study found that lower GLS was linked with other heart issues, such as poorer right ventricular function and more severe problems (diastolic dysfunction). Patients with reduced GLS and diastolic dysfunction also showed abnormal movement in the left atrium, another early sign of trouble.

A detailed analysis showed that patients with reduced heart function were more likely to have multiple overlapping issues, like kidney involvement, pericarditis, and elevated C-reactive protein levels, suggesting that immune system activity might be causing heart damage in some lupus patients.