Major predictors of growth hormone and cardiovascular risk: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Significance: About 17.5million people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Brazil, CVDs are leading causes of death. They represent 29.0% of the deaths and, in January 2017, they were responsible for more than 30 thousand deaths. In 2016, the Brazilian Society of Cardiology recorded 349,938 deaths. An estimated 6,000 adults are diagnosed with growth Hormone deficiency (AGHD) every year in the United States, whereas its incidence is approximately 2 cases per 100,000 population when childhood-onsetGH deficiency patients are considered. Growth hormone (GH) may reduce cardiovascular risks. Information gaps: There is a lack of available scientific data on cardiac changes and cardiovascular risks observed in growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Objective: A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate clinical evidence on the effects of GH replacement therapy on cardiovascular risk. Methods: Followed the PRISMA guidelines. The descriptors IGF-1, GH/IGF-1, growth hormone, coronary diseases, cardiovascular risk were used. Results: Patients with GHD had a reduced aortic area and, after 1year of GH replacement, increased left ventricular mass index, increased non-fat mass and LDL reduction. Conclusion: GH deficiency is a major risk factor that causes various reactions in the body, leading to heart disease.