Objective:

To summarize current knowledge on the cardiovascular risk associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and the underlying mechanisms linking IBD to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Patients with IBD have an increased risk of ASCVD not fully explained by traditional risk factors.
• Chronic systemic inflammation is a central mechanism linking IBD to cardiovascular risk.
• The 'lipid paradox' in IBD involves reduced lipid levels alongside increased cardiovascular risk due to altered lipid metabolism.
• Disease activity significantly influences cardiovascular risk, with higher risks during active disease.

Interpretation:

IBD should be viewed as a systemic disease with significant cardiovascular implications, necessitating integrated management strategies.

Limitations:

• Traditional cardiovascular risk calculators may underestimate risk in IBD patients.
• The review primarily focuses on established mechanisms without exploring emerging biomarkers in depth.

Conclusion:

Optimizing anti-inflammatory therapy and individualized cardiovascular prevention strategies may improve outcomes in IBD patients.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.