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Atherosclerosis and cirrhosis of the liver
Insights
Cirrhotic patients showed increased aortic and coronary artery calcification but less frequent fresh myocardial infarction and large myocardial scars compared to non-cirrhotics. Obesity levels were similar between groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Hepatology
- Postmortem Studies
Background:
- Liver cirrhosis is associated with various systemic complications.
- The impact of cirrhosis on atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and extent of atherosclerosis in the aorta and coronary arteries.
- To assess the occurrence of myocardial infarction in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem examination of 390 males and 190 females with liver cirrhosis.
- Comparison of atherosclerotic findings and myocardial infarction with reference non-cirrhotic groups.
Main Results:
- Increased frequency and extent of aortic and coronary artery calcification in cirrhotic males and females.
- No increase in raised or complicated atherosclerotic lesions.
- Reduced incidence of coronary stenosis (females), fresh myocardial infarction (both sexes), and large myocardial scar (both sexes).
- Similar obesity rates in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic subjects.
Conclusions:
- Liver cirrhosis is linked to accelerated arterial calcification but a decreased risk of acute myocardial infarction.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these cardiovascular changes in cirrhosis.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis of the aorta and coronary arteries and myocardial infarction were studied post mortem in 390 males and 190 female cirrhotic subjects in the 5 towns. Comparison with the reference groups revealed that calcification of the aorta and coronary arteries was more frequent (in the case of males) and more extensive (in the case of males and females) in cirrhotics than in noncirrhotics. Raised and complicated lesions were not increased. Coronary stenosis (in females), fresh myocardial infarction (in both sexes), and large myocardial scar (in both sexes) were less frequent in cirrhotics. "Obesity" was similar in cirrhotics and non-cirrhotics.