A systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies across 10 countries found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) had more than double the risk of cardiovascular disease compared with patients without IPF. Elevated risks were observed for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, thromboembolic disease, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmia, heart failure, and valvular heart disease. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. Limitations included high heterogeneity, retrospective study designs, and inconsistent adjustment for confounders such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Researchers noted that aging and fibrosis may create a pro-fibrotic microenvironment that drives co-progression of IPF and cardiovascular disease.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine