Coexistence between colorectal cancer/adenoma and coronary artery disease: Results from 1382 patients

Background: Common risk factors exist in colorectal neoplasia (cancer or adenoma) and coronary artery disease. Aim: To investigate in a retrospective study if there is coexistence of the two events in patients ≥50 years. Methods: Computer data on colonoscopies performed on symptomatic patients, the corresponding medical record and colonic histology in 1997-2000 were retrieved. History of coronary artery disease was recorded. To adjust for the factors of age and sex, bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test for coexistence. Results: 1382 patients were recruited. Colorectal neoplasia and history of coronary artery disease were present in 27% (373) and 12% (167) of patients, respectively. The mean age of patients was older in colorectal neoplasia+ (75 ± 11 vs. 69 ± 13 years, P < 0.0001) and in coronary artery disease+ (79 ± 9 vs. 69 ± 12 years, P < 0.0001) patients. Male was the predominant sex in colorectal neoplasia+: 33% vs. 22% (P < 0.0001), but not in coronary artery disease+ (P = 0.29). Colorectal neoplasia+ patients were more likely to have coronary artery disease+ [21.2% (79/ 373) vs. 8.8% (89/1098) (P < 0.0001)]. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed strong association between the two events (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.0). Conclusion: There is strong coexistence of colorectal neoplasia and coronary artery disease, probably due to exposure to common risk factors.