Current study Gallstones cause severe heart problems

When people suffer from gallstones also increases their risk of heart disease
Many people in Germany suffer from gallstones. Only about one in four sufferers develops real complaints. Researchers have now discovered that people are at an increased risk for heart disease if they have gallstones.

American researchers from Tulane University, New Orleans, found in an investigation that there is an association between gallstones and an increased risk of heart disease. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology".

Gallstones are a common disease. Many people do not even know they have gallstones. Physicians found that gallstones increase the risk of heart disease. (Image: Henrie / fotolia.com)

Women are nearly three times more likely to have gallstones
Gallstones are widespread all over the world. Even in Germany many people suffer from these small stones from solidified bile, say the experts. About every sixth German has gallstones. But only a quarter of those affected also develop painful complaints. Women are nearly three times as likely as men to develop gallstones. Gallstones can usually be easily detected by doctors by ultrasound. For the removal of painful gallstones, however, an operation is almost always necessary.

Gallstones favor heart disease
The results of the new study show a relatively unknown risk of gallstones. There is an association between gallstones and an increased risk of heart disease, explain the scientists. If people have suffered from gallstones in the past, this increases the likelihood of developing heart disease over the next few decades. This increased risk is about 23 percent, say the doctors. Some time ago, the results of the German EPIC cohort had already shown that gallstones favor infarcts.

Researchers analyze the data of almost 840,000 subjects
For their study, the researchers analyzed the data of nearly 840,000 people. These data came from several American cohort studies. These included, for example, the Nurses 'Health Study, the Nurses' Health Study II and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Higher risk of heart disease regardless of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure
The results of the new study clearly show that people with a history of gallstones have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease, the authors explain. However, it was particularly alarming that there was no correlation with obesity, diabetes and hypertension. These are usually the most common causes of heart disease. So even externally seemingly healthy people are at risk, add the researchers.

Many people are unaware of their increased risk
People with diabetes and other heart disease indicators are usually aware of the risk. However, people with gallstones will not recognize their potential susceptibility to coronary heart disease, scientists suggest. For this reason, sufferers must be better informed and monitored.

We need better medical monitoring
Our findings suggest that patients with gallstone disease should be monitored more closely. "Based on careful assessment of gallstones and risk factors for heart disease, says Lu Qi, a professor of epidemiology at Tulane University in New Orleans.

How do gallstones develop??
Normally, the gallbladder is a small organ that facilitates the absorption of fats in the body with the help of bile. Buildup of gallstones can occur when, for example, there is an imbalance due to excess cholesterol in the bile, say the physicians. Most people do not know about their gallstones. However, if these have developed enough, the gallstones can cause severe pain.

We need to better protect and monitor our gastrointestinal system
The study clearly shows the complicated connections between different parts of the body. We have to pay more attention to what we eat. Through this increased attention we can protect the health of our heart. In order to promote heart health, we should also protect our gastrointestinal system, emphasizes Professor Qi. (As)