Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting millions of individuals. Concurrently, sepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting from infections, presents a significant public health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between CVDs and sepsis, where not only does CVDs increase susceptibility to infections, but sepsis can also exacerbate cardiovascular conditions, leading to poorer health outcomes.
This study aims to evaluate the temporal relationship between CVDs and the onset of sepsis, with a focus on identifying potential causal pathways. CVDs are known to affect immune function, which may increase vulnerability to infections, including sepsis. By utilizing longitudinal data from the UK Biobank, we will track individuals with diagnosed CVDs to assess their subsequent risk of developing sepsis compared to those without CVDs. Our analysis will consider various types of cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias, to discern if certain conditions predispose individuals to sepsis more than others. We will also examine demographic factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity, which may modulate this risk. Additionally, we will explore potential mediating factors, including comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, obesity) and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, physical activity), to better understand the mechanisms linking CVDs to sepsis.
By establishing a clearer understanding of how CVDs influence the risk of sepsis over time, this research highlights critical intervention points for healthcare providers, ultimately improving patient outcomes through early identification and management of at-risk populations.
