The Gut-Heart Connection: Unraveling Cardiovascular Risks in Celiac Disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
• CD commonly presents with gastrointestinal symptoms but also extraintestinal manifestations.
• Cardiovascular complications are increasingly recognized as a significant extraintestinal manifestation of CD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current evidence on the association between celiac disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• To understand the clinical implications of CVD in individuals with CD.
• To highlight the need for comprehensive risk assessment and management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature.
• Analysis of studies reporting cardiovascular outcomes in celiac disease patients.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding subclinical dysfunction and specific cardiovascular events.

Main Results:

• Patients with CD exhibit an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly with delayed diagnosis or inadequate gluten-free diet adherence.
• Reported cardiovascular issues include subclinical myocardial dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and venous thromboembolism.
• Gluten abstinence shows potential in mitigating some cardiovascular risks, though conclusive evidence is pending.

Conclusions:

• A complex interplay exists between CD and cardiovascular health.
• Early diagnosis, thorough risk assessment, and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing CD patients.
• Further prospective research is essential to establish causality and evaluate dietary interventions' long-term impact on cardiovascular outcomes.