Association between cholecystectomy for gallstone disease and risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Objective. Gallbladder disease and cardiovascular disease share risk factors. Both have a great impact on the economics of health systems. There is evidence suggesting an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with gallbladder disease, but the association of gallbladder disease with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease is unclear. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between cholecystectomy for gallstone disease and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Material and methods. This is a case-control study comparing subjects undergoing cholecystectomy with controls without gallbladder disease or cholecystectomy. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were recorded and risk factors for cardiovascular disease were assessed. The data were analysed with chi square test, student t test and logistic regression (univariate and multivariate). Results. Seven hundred and ninety-eight subjects were included. The multivariate analyses demonstrated that, compared with controls, cases had an increased prevalence of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-4.8, p = 0.001), including type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.5, p = 0.018), high blood pressure (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.6-10.1, p = 0.001), and high cholesterol levels (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3-5.5, p = 0.004). No differences were observed in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion. Patients undergoing cholecystectomy had an increased prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, independent of age, sex, or body mass index.