Should we expand the concept of coronary heart disease equivalents?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review discusses the associations between metabolic and inflammatory diseases, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy with coronary heart disease (CHD) and related risk factors, to support (or not) their potential role as CHD equivalents.

RECENT FINDINGS: Although not regarded as CHD equivalents, several metabolic and inflammatory disorders are associated with an increased risk of CHD morbidity and/or mortality. These conditions include metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose metabolism, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, erectile dysfunction, periodontitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, systemic vasculitis and HIV infection, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

SUMMARY: More research should be carried out to identify which conditions can be added to the list of CHD equivalents.