Dear friends,
I recently met with a woman who had been dealing with stubborn back pain. She tried stretching, heat, rest, almost everything she could think of. When her doctor explained that inflammation might be the real source of her discomfort, she looked surprised. No one had ever told her that the immune system can create pain throughout the body, including places that seem unrelated, like the heart. That moment reminded me how often we overlook the connection between inflammation, immunity, and heart health.
Chronic inflammation, especially from autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcoidosis, links autoimmune health to heart health. Inflammation can damage blood vessels and strain the heart. Stay informed and talk to your health care provider about how to support both systems.
Most of us never hear how closely the heart and immune system work together. February highlights heart health, and we often talk about blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, exercise, and family history. These matter. But inflammation also shapes how the heart functions, especially for people living with autoimmune conditions. Inflammation builds quietly. It irritates blood vessels and can affect heart rhythm. It pushes the heart to work harder than it should, often without obvious warning signs.
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcoidosis affect millions of Americans. They affect women more often, and they affect Black women at even higher rates. These conditions involve chronic inflammation that can damage blood vessels, strain the heart, and cause symptoms far from where the disease begins.
They show up differently in each person, but they share a common thread: inflammation that can touch many parts of the body, including the heart. Lupus may inflame the lining around the heart. Sarcoidosis can disrupt the heart’s electrical system. Rheumatoid arthritis can raise cardiovascular risk even when joints feel calm.
This becomes even more important when we look at heart disease itself. The American Heart Association notes that nearly six in 10 Black women over age 20 live with some form of heart disease, according to its 2025 data. When an overactive immune system meets existing heart risks, the body carries strain from both ends.
Stress adds another layer. Many people living with autoimmune conditions notice flare ups after stressful moments. The immune system responds to stress much like it responds to injury. It activates and releases signals that increase tension inside the body. Blood pressure rises. Heart rate increases. Inflammation grows. For Black women managing caregiving, work, and community responsibilities, this cycle can feel constant.
Because inflammation links autoimmune health and heart health, small daily habits can support both systems. Here are a few simple practices that make a meaningful difference.
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Pay attention to early changes in your body. New pain, more fatigue, shortness of breath, or unusual swelling deserve a call to your physician.
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Protect your sleep. Consistent, quality rest lowers inflammation and restores balance.
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Choose foods that lower inflammation. Try leafy greens, berries, salmon, walnuts, olive oil, and turmeric.
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Move regularly. Gentle, steady movement supports circulation and reduces stress.
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Use short stress relieving practices. Slow breathing, brief pauses, and quiet moments calm the immune system.
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Ask questions during medical appointments. Clear understanding builds confidence.
Medications also play a role in managing autoimmune conditions. Prednisone is one of the most common treatments for inflammation, although your doctor may use other medications depending on your specific condition. But despite its benefits, it also comes with its own challenges. Long term use can lead to weight gain, mood shifts, higher blood pressure, higher blood sugar, and bone thinning. Understanding why it is prescribed and how long you might need it helps you feel informed and supported.
Some people explore natural options to support their immune system. These do not replace medical treatment, but they can complement it. Vitamin D supports immune balance, and many Black women live with low levels. Magnesium helps with muscle and nerve function. Omega-3 fatty acids support heart health and may reduce inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound. These choices work best when you discuss them with your physician so your plan feels complete and personalized.
Research and representation matter. Last month we talked about clinical trials and who gets included. The same concerns apply to autoimmune research. When studies do not reflect the people most affected, treatment recommendations may miss important nuances. When you learn about a new therapy or study, ask who participated in it. That one question helps you understand how well the findings relate to your care.
February often centers on romantic love, but I want us to broaden that idea. Self-love shows up in how we care for our bodies. It shows up in how we rest, how we set boundaries, and how we protect our health. Caring for the heart and the immune system is one of the most meaningful forms of self-respect we can practice. It is not indulgent. It is necessary.
February gives us a chance to look inward. Your heart works without pause. Your immune system works without rest. Together they carry you through life. This month and beyond, give them the attention and care they deserve.
With your health in mind,
