New research suggests that individuals with a history of gallstone development are at an increased risk for coronary heart disease.
Research
For their research, the team of medical experts conducted a meta-analysis of seven studies that tracked both gallstone development and the onset of heart disease. The meta-analysis examined more than 840,000 participants from between 1980 and 2010. Here’s what the analysis revealed:
- 3 percent of men and 6.2 percent of women expressed a history of gallstone disease.
- Adults who had a history of gallstone disease were more likely to be older, current smokers, frequent aspirin users, less physically active, had lower alcohol consumption, have a higher body mass index and were more likely to have a history of other co-morbidities, like diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
- In the study, 51,123 people developed coronary heart disease. Overall, adults with gallstone disease had a 23 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Gallstones and Heart Disease
Statistics show that in the Western Hemisphere, anywhere between 5 and 25 percent of adults have gallstone disease, which researchers say have been linked to factors like obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and hypertension. Researchers in the above study say that the incidence of gallstones does not prove a causal increase in coronary heart disease, only that there is an apparent link between the two. Even though the causal relationship hasn’t been proven, researchers say the findings could be helpful for doctors who want to advise their patients after the development of gallstones.
“Our results suggest that patients with gallstone disease should be monitored closely based on a careful assessment of both gallstone and heart disease risk factors,” said Lu Qi, MD, study senior author and professor of epidemiology at Tulane University. “Preventing gallstone disease may also benefit heart health.
So if you want to take care of your heart, consider taking some steps to have a healthier gallbladder. Eat a diet that’s full of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, high-fiber foods and don’t forget to get plenty of exercise. Avoid foods that are high in fats and sugar, and only drink alcohol in moderation. For more ways to take care of your gallbladder, or to talk to your doctor about any pain you may be feeling in your abdomen, set up a consultation with a gallbladder specialist today.
