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The Association between Gallstone Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Rasoul Rahimi1, Saeid Heidari-Soureshjani2, Catherine Mt Sherwin3
1Department of Surgery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
Insights
Gallstone disease (GSD) significantly increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Early interventions for GSD may help prevent CVD, highlighting a crucial link between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gallstone disease (GSD) is a known risk factor for multiple health complications.
- Understanding the link between GSD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between Gallstone Disease and Cardiovascular Disease.
- To quantify the risk of CVD in individuals with GSD.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across major databases (1980-2023).
- Included 21 studies with over 2 million participants.
- Statistical analyses included heterogeneity and publication bias assessments using Stata 17.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between GSD and an increased risk of CVD (RR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.32-1.63).
- No publication bias was detected.
- Subgroup analyses indicated higher CVD risk in specific study populations and designs.
Conclusions:
- Gallstone disease is significantly associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.
- Targeted interventions for GSD patients may mitigate CVD risk.
Background:
Gallstone Disease (GSD) is a multifactorial risk factor for various complications.
Objective:
This study aimed to examine the relationship between GSD and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.
Methods:
A thorough search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Only studies published between 1980 and December 2023 were included. Chi-square, I2, and forest plots were used to assess heterogeneity. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate publication bias. Statistical significance was considered at p <0.05, and all analyses were performed using Stata 17.
Results:
This meta-analysis involved 21 studies and comprised 2,138,282 participants; there has been a significant association found between GSD and an increased risk of CVD (with a relative risk of 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-1.63, p <0.001). The analysis found no evidence of publication bias based on Begg's test (p =0.085) and Egger's test (p =0.231). Subgroup analysis of the studies showed a higher risk of CVD in studies with a sample size of less than 10,000 participants, conducted in 2016 or later, utilizing a cross-sectional design, in Asian countries; the analysis had a moderate quality score, with a follow-up period of equal to or less than ten years.
Conclusion:
There has been a significant association found between GSD and CVD and their incidence is related to each other. Taking proactive steps to implement targeted interventions for individuals with gallstone disease could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease within this population.
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