K., Pakarinen, M., & STEP 2 Study Group
They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
And the honest answer is: we think so, but we do not know for certain
Key risk factors include: Rapid weight loss: Losing weight quickly significantly increases gallstone risk Female sex: Women are two to three times more likely to develop gallstones than men Age over 40 years: Gallstone prevalence increases with age Obesity: Higher baseline BMI correlates with increased risk Previous history of gallstones: Prior biliary disease predicts recurrence Family history: Genetic factors contribute to gallstone susceptibility Certain ethnicities: Native American and Hispanic populations have higher baseline rates Estrogen exposure: Oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and multiple pregnancies Diabetes and dyslipidemia: Metabolic conditions affecting bile composition Prolonged fasting or TPN use: Reduces gallbladder contraction Patients should be educated about warning signs that may indicate gallstone complications
In total, 1,797 patients (56.5%) had established CV disease without CKD, 354 patients (11.1%) had CKD only, and 544 patients (17.1%) had both CV disease and CKD
