Association of celiac disease and myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by gluten intolerance, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system but potentially influencing cardiovascular health. Emerging evidence suggests an association between CD and myocardial infarction (MI), though studies have produced inconsistent results. This study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of existing literature to quantify the risk of MI in individuals diagnosed with CD.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to August 2024. Studies were included if they investigated the association between CD and MI in adult populations and provided relevant effect estimates. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs), along with an assessment of heterogeneity. Statistical analysis has been performed by R software (V 4.4).

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies were included in the systematic review. Pooled HR analysis showed no significant association between CD and MI (HR = 1.143, 95% CI: 0.619-2.109), and pooled OR analysis also revealed non-significant results (OR = 0.879, 95% CI: 0.481-1.606). High heterogeneity was observed (I = 86% for HR, 99% for OR).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found no significant association between CD and MI. However, substantial heterogeneity across studies indicates variability in results, highlighting the need for further research with larger, more homogeneous cohorts to better understand cardiovascular risks in CD patients. Future studies should explore subgroups and the impact of gluten-free diet adherence.