Study: Keep HCQ Blood Levels Up to Avoid Cardiovascular Disease in Lupus

— SLE patients with suboptimal drug exposure face increased heart risk

by John Gever, Contributing Writer, MedPage Today

August 4, 2026

• 4 min read

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is the mainstay of treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but adherence issues and variability in blood levels may compromise its effectiveness.This study examined the relationships among HCQ blood levels, long-term exposure, and risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in SLE.As hypothesized, SLE patients with very low blood levels, and those showing suboptimal HCQ exposure over time, were at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.