Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and Vascular Function: The Concept of Autoimmune Atherosclerosis.

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) with unknown etiology are increasing in incidence and prevalence. Up to 5% of the population is affected. AIRDs include rheumatoid arthritis, system lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjögren's syndrome.