Incident cardiovascular disease in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: A multi-database study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited recent data exists on cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Understanding post-diagnosis CVD risk is crucial for managing MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of CVD in patients with MS against a carefully matched non-MS population.
• To identify specific types of CVD that are more prevalent in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A matched cohort study was performed using two large electronic health databases: US Department of Defense and UK's Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD.
• Patients diagnosed with MS and a matched control group without MS were selected, excluding those with pre-existing CVD or related comorbidities.
• Incident CVD events occurring after the MS diagnosis or matched date were identified and analyzed for incidence rates and ratios.

Main Results:

• Multiple sclerosis patients exhibited a two-fold higher rate of venous thromboembolism and peripheral vascular disease in both databases.
• The risk of myocardial infarction was 2.5 times higher in female MS patients compared to female non-MS patients across both datasets.
• Consistency in other CVD outcome risks between the two databases was not observed.

Conclusions:

• Patients diagnosed with MS demonstrate an elevated risk for venous thromboembolism and peripheral vascular disease.
• Female patients with MS have a notably increased risk of myocardial infarction.
• These findings highlight the importance of cardiovascular monitoring in MS patient care.