Mechanistic insight: Linking cardiovascular complications of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide despite an aggressive reduction of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Underlying inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increase the risk of developing CVD. A broad understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes between IBD and CVD is required to treat and prevent cardiovascular events in patients with IBD. This review highlights the commonality between IBD and CVD, including dysregulated immune response, genetics, environmental risk factors, altered gut microbiome, stress, endothelial dysfunction and abnormalities, to shed light on an essential area of modern medicine.