The Relationship Between Coronary Heart Disease and Gallbladder Disease

Abstract

Limited statistical evidence to date, based on autopsy, clinical and epidemiological findings, suggests that little if any association exists other than that which appears because the prevalence of both diseases rises with age. There may be some basis for a real association since experimental disturbance of the gallbladder appears reflexly to modify cardiac rhythm and coronary blood flow, especially where the coronary circulation is already comprised. Shared etiological factors may be represented by age and obesity, and possibly by short stature, blood pressure, race, diabetes mellitus and pregnancy. False association is an important problem with these diseases since diagnostic confusion results from pain mimicry, similar response to nitroglycerine and possibly similar effects on the serum transaminase. There is no strong association between the 2 diseases. Some basis for a weak association exists, both in shared etiological factors and possible aggravation of cardiac symptoms by a diseased gallbladder.