Abstract

Cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism in inflammatory bowel disease

Author(s): Mia Hindi and Amar R Deshpande

Inflammatory bowel disease appears to increase the risk of both cardiovascular and thromboembolic events. This seems to occur despite the fact that many of these patients have a lower burden of traditional risk factors. There are several theories as to what drives this heightened risk, most of which highlight the role of chronic inflammation. More studies should be undertaken to decide in what context to most optimally protect inflammatory bowel disease patients against cardiovascular and thromboembolic events, for how long these patients should be treated once diagnosed, and how best to prevent further events, including avoidance of concomitant risk factors.