Preprint Association Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Cardiovascular Disease, 2023, Denu

https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3332913/v1

Association Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Cardiovascular Disease

Mawulorm KI Denu1

Ritika Revoori1

Cherita Eghan2

Fredrick Larbi Kwapong3

Andrew Hillman4

Cornelius A Normeshie5

Kofi Poku Berko6

Emily L. Aidoo3

Maame Araba E Buadu7

1 University of Massachusetts Medical School,

2 Medicross Hospital,

3 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,

4 Baylor College of Medicine,

5 University of Virginia Medical School,

6 Korle Bu Teaching Hospital,

7 Massachusetts General Hospital

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3332913/v1


Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a medical condition characterized by severe and prolonged fatigue that is not relieved by rest or attributed to any underlying medical or psychological condition. Individuals with CFS/ME are considered to have an increased risk of a wide range of comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The association between CFS/ME and CVD is not fully understood.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of CFS/ME in a sample population and examine its association with CVD.

Methods: Data was analyzed from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Information on sociodemographic factors, CVD risk factors, and history of CFS/ME and CVD were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the association between CFS/ME and CVD, adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors (age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and body mass index (BMI).

Results: Median age of participants was 53 years, and majority of participants were female (53.9%). Prevalence of CFS/ME was 1.4%. A history of CFS/ME was significantly associated with CVD (aOR: 3.13, 95%CI: 2.37, 4.15, p-value: <0.001) after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors.

Conclusion: A history of CFS/ME was independently associated with CVD after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors. Patients with CFS/ME need close evaluation for CVD. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between CFS/ME and CVD.

https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3332913/v1

"A history of chronic fatigue syndrome was derived from a "Yes" response to the question, "Have you ever been told by a doctor or other healthcare professional that you had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) or Myalgia Encephalomyelitis (ME)?""