Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated strongly with adverse CV events.

In several studies, researchers have reported that people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) might have excess risk for developing cardiovascular (CV) disease. Researchers used data from the 2021–2022 US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to assess this possibility.

The weighted sample included 115,000 people who provided information on physician-­diagnosed CV disease, multiple CV risk factors and physician-diagnosed ME/CFS. CV disease was reported by 10.3% of the population, and ME/CFS was reported by 1.2%. The most common CV risk factor, hypertension, was reported by 36%. In a multivariable analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for having experienced an adverse CV event was 3.3 for people with ME/CFS (compared with people without ME/CFS).

Comment: This large observational study shows a strong association between ME/CFS and CV disease (after adjustment for multiple CV risk factors) but was not designed to address the question of whether ME/CFS affects risk for CV disease or vice versa. However, the increased oxidative stress, higher levels of pro-­inflammatory cytokines and autonomic dysfunction seen in ME/CFS all plausibly increase risk for adverse CV events. The NHIS relies on self-­report; these observations should be corroborated by prospective studies with reliable documentation of ME/CFS and adverse CV outcomes. For now, when a patient has symptoms that might reflect CV disease, the clinician probably should consider CV disease more likely if the patient suffers from ME/CFS, just as would be the case if the patient had diabetes or hypertension.

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.

Denu MKI, et al. Association between chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and cardiovascular disease. Sci Rep 2025; 15: 2294.

This summary is taken from the following Journal Watch titles: General Medicine, Ambulatory Medicine.