Cure8 research brief
This meta-analysis suggests people with IBD face higher risks of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke), which may matter for monitoring and preventive care. Higher risk appears linked to active disease, Crohn’s subtype, younger age groups, and greater steroid exposure.
Adult IBD patients (particularly those with Crohn’s or active disease), gastroenterologists, primary care clinicians, and researchers studying inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
This is a meta-analysis of observational studies (2015–2025) that pooled adjusted outcomes from 12 original studies including over 3 million participants.
The authors report increased risks of myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and ischemic stroke associated with IBD overall, with higher risks for Crohn’s disease, active disease, and people under 40. Higher cumulative glucocorticoid (steroid) exposure was also associated with greater cardiovascular event risk.
The paper used standard meta-analytic methods (random effects, heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses) but is based on observational data, so it can show associations not prove causation. Individual risk will vary and depends on other heart risk factors and treatments.
The source is a journal abstract reporting a meta-analysis of observational studies from 2015–2025. Observational data can show associations but not prove causation. Steroid exposure is associated with higher risk in subgroup analysis, but confounding by indication is possible.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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