Why the study?
Appropriate defecation patterns may be important for preventing recurrent cardiovascular events, but their association and that of in-hospital laxative use with future cardiovascular events in ACS patients required investigation.
Are abnormal defecation patterns and stimulant laxative use during hospitalization associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome?
Population
1,817 patients hospitalized for ACS
Comparison
Abnormal defecation patterns and laxative use during hospitalization
Design
2-center retrospective observational study
Follow-up
Median 48 months
Key result
Frequent nondefecation days (adjusted HR 1.549; 95% CI 1.217-1.971) and stimulant laxative use during ACS hospitalization were independently associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Authors
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These associations in ACS should not yet change practice; leaves open need for prospective trials to assess causality.
Observational (n=1,817)
Yes
Are abnormal defecation patterns and stimulant laxative use during hospitalization associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome?
Effect estimate: HR 1.549 (95% CI 1.217-1.971)
p-value: p=< 0.001
Abnormal defecation patterns and stimulant laxative use during ACS hospitalization are independent predictors of future cardiovascular events.
Matsuzawa et al. (2026) conducted an observational in acute coronary syndrome (n=1,817). Abnormal defecation patterns and stimulant laxative use was evaluated on composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 1.549, 95% CI 1.217-1.971, p=< 0.001). Frequent nondefecation days (adjusted HR 1.549; 95% CI 1.217-1.971) and stimulant laxative use during ACS hospitalization were independently associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.