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Gallbladder disease in the general population: association with cardiovascular morbidity and therapy

Antonio González-Pérez1, Luis A García Rodríguez

  • 1Centro Español de Investigación Farmacoepidemiológica, Madrid, Spain. agonzalez@ceife.es

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
|November 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Thiazide diuretics are linked to a small increased risk of gallbladder disease. However, ischaemic heart disease (IHD) does not appear to be a major risk factor for gallbladder issues.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gallbladder (GB) disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prevalent, incurring significant healthcare costs.
  • Previous research suggests a potential link between ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and GB disease.
  • Thiazide diuretics have also been implicated as a possible risk factor for GB disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between various cardiovascular conditions and related medications with the occurrence of GB disease.
  • To clarify the specific roles of IHD and thiazide diuretics in GB disease development.

Main Methods:

  • A nested case-control study was conducted using data from the General Practitioner Research Database (1996).
  • Included were 2353 incident cases of GB disease and 10,000 controls, aged 20-79, matched for age and sex.
  • Statistical analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) showed a small, statistically significant increased risk for GB disease (OR=1.29).
  • Thiazide diuretic use was associated with a significant increased risk of GB disease (OR=1.36).
  • No significant association was found between other antihypertensive drugs and GB disease.

Conclusions:

  • The findings confirm a modest increased risk of GB disease associated with thiazide diuretic use.
  • The study does not support a substantial link between IHD and the development of GB disease.
Abstract

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