Presence of CVD significantly decreases survival rate among acute pancreatitis patients: Study

A large-scale study published in the International Journal of Cardiology revealed that underlying cardiovascular diseases significantly increase the risk of death among individuals admitted with acute pancreatitis (AP). 

Between 2005 and 2019, German hospitals recorded a total of 7,97,364 inpatient cases with a primary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The study analyzed data drawn from national inpatient statistics which found 2.8% of these patients (22,022 individuals) dead during their hospital stay.

This research compared survivors and non-survivors, where the survivors were generally younger, with a median age of 56 years, when compared to 76 years among those who died. Men were more likely to survive than women (61% vs. 54.1%), and survivors also expressed fewer comorbid cardiovascular conditions.

Statistical analysis revealed that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were powerful independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The patients with any form of CVD had more than double the odds of dying (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.08), while each additional cardiovascular condition further increased mortality risk (OR 1.48).

Among specific conditions, pulmonary embolism posed the highest risk, with patients being over 12 times more likely to die in the hospital (OR 12.19). This was followed by stroke (OR 7.21) and myocardial infarction (OR 4.71) which dramatically raised the odds of in-hospital death.

Other significant risk factors included, heart failure (OR 2.16) which more than doubled the mortality risk in AP cases. Atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR 1.61): These irregular heart rhythms also showed a strong link to poor outcomes. Peripheral artery disease (OR 1.25): Though a milder risk factor compared to others, it still significantly raised mortality odds.

The findings emphasized the need for holistic patient assessment when treating acute pancreatitis. Overall, these results highlight that in-hospital outcomes are not only determined by the severity of AP itself, but also by the burden of underlying cardiovascular disease. Early identification and management of cardiovascular issues could become a crucial step in reducing hospital mortality.

Reference:

Keller, K., Hobohm, L., Schmitt, V. H., Hahad, O., Labenz, C., Espinola-Klein, C., Möhler, M., & Sivanathan, V. (2025). Cardiovascular comorbidities predict mortality in acute pancreatitis. International Journal of Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2025.133409