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The subject of cardiology-related symptoms of CD and CD-associated
cardiological disease has not been reviewed.  So, here I attempt to
summarize readings of research papers and abstracts of research papers
dealing with the topic.

CD and cardiomyopathy and heart failure
A study of 642 patients who were candidates for heart transplant in Italy
found that 1.9% had anti-endomysial antibodies (AEA) (compared to 0.35% of
720 healthy controls) and that 2.2% of 275 patients with dilated
cardiomyopathy were AEA-positive (compared to 1.6% in the remaining
transplant candidates) (Prati D, et al, 2002, Am J Gastroenterol 97:218;
Prati D, et al, 2002, Dig Liver Dis 34:39).  Although an association was
found, there was no way to assess cause and affect.  The AEA-positive
patients and AEA-negative patients presented with similar cardiologic
criteria and had similar 2-year post-transplant survival.  Similar, but more
limited findings were described in preliminary data (Curione M, et al, 1997,
Lancet 354: 222).  The authors suggest a study of whether a GFD improves
cardiac function in such patients.
  A study in Italy found that 5% of 60 elderly (over 65 years) CD patients
died during the study due to heart failure (Gasbarrini G, et al, 2001,
Gerontology 47:306).  The authors determined that this was significantly
higher than the non-CD population, but don’t give a non-CD rate.
Furthermore, 0.4% of 226 non-elderly adult CD patients died with heart
failure as the cause and this rate was not significantly higher than the
comparable non-CD population.  Other cardiological symptoms and disorders
were not assessed.

See Part 2 for:
Common causes?
CD and autoimmune myocarditis
Other Cardiologic Diseases

Laura


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