5 Risk Factors of Lupus

Lupus is a chronic disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own organs and tissues. In turn, numerous parts of the body can become damaged, including your kidneys, skin, joints, lungs, heart, and brain. Although the direct cause of lupus is unknown, there are specific risk factors in which you need to be aware of. The following risk factors increase your chances of developing a form of lupus.

Gender

Unfortunately, this risk factor is not within your control, as women are more likely to suffer from lupus. In fact, more than 90 percent of lupus patients are women. Being most common in childbearing years, this disease places women at-risk for a number of serious conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, and osteoporosis.

It is estimated that 4 to 12 women are diagnosed with lupus for every man. However, there are many other risk factors involved. Continue reading to find out what else can contribute to the development of lupus.