Association between thyroid cancer and cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Thyroid cancer is a growing global health concern.
• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
• The relationship between thyroid cancer and CVDs requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between thyroid cancer and major cardiovascular diseases.
• To assess the impact of thyroid cancer on cardiovascular disease mortality.
• To evaluate the effect of radioactive iodine treatment on cardiovascular outcomes in thyroid cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to September 22, 2022.
• Meta-analysis of 15 studies including 771,220 patients who underwent thyroidectomy.
• Primary outcomes included incidence of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, and CVD mortality.

Main Results:

• Thyroid cancer significantly increased the risk of cerebrovascular disease (RR 1.15) and atrial fibrillation (RR 1.59).
• A significant increase in coronary artery disease risk was observed (RR 1.12).
• No significant association was found between thyroid cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality (RR 0.93). Radioactive iodine treatment had a neutral effect on CVD.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid cancer is linked to a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease and atrial fibrillation.
• Radioactive iodine treatment did not alter the hazard risk for cardiovascular diseases.
• Individualized thyroid cancer treatment strategies should consider potential cardiovascular implications.