Study finds vitiligo patients face higher risk of heart disease and stroke

A new study published in eBioMedicine shows that patients with vitiligo have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including stroke and major heart events, compared to those without the condition. This research analyzed data from over 100,000 vitiligo patients over 15 years. The study found that vitiligo patients experienced cardiovascular issues earlier, averaging nearly three years sooner than controls. Specific conditions, like sick sinus syndrome, appeared even earlier in vitiligo patients. The findings suggest a need for increased monitoring and preventive care for these individuals. While the study is significant due to its large scale, it has limitations, including potential coding errors and a lack of detailed clinical data. Further research is needed to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms of the association.