Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which inappropriate immune responses that have the capability of harming host cells play an important role. Evidence suggests that the presence of certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systematic lupus erythematosus increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, this evidence is inconsistent for autoimmune disorders and no systematic approach has been previously used to study the relationship between a range of common autoimmune disorders and specific forms of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, intracerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhage, or venous thrombosis. The investigators will use linked electronic health records to investigate whether commonly diagnosed autoimmune disorders are associated with increased risk of CVD development and whether effects differ in men and women and change with age.
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Rate ratios for the associations between presence of autoimmune disorders and initial presentation of myocardial infarction
Timeframe: Followed for the duration of general practice registration between date of eligibility and date of administrative censoring, outcome occurrence or death (expected median of 5 years)
Rate ratios for the associations between presence of autoimmune disorders and initial presentation of stroke
Timeframe: Followed for the duration of general practice registration between date of eligibility and date of administrative censoring, outcome occurrence or death (expected median of 5 years)
Rate ratios for the associations between presence of autoimmune disorders and initial presentation of stroke and venous thrombosis
Timeframe: Followed for the duration of general practice registration between date of eligibility and date of administrative censoring, outcome occurrence or death (expected median of 5 years)