Glucocorticoids and cardiovascular risk factors

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2011 Jun;40(2):409-17, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2011.01.011.

Abstract

Glucocorticoids remain a valuable and necessary component of therapy for many diseases. Nonetheless, sustained glucocorticoid treatment increases potential for future cardiovascular disease through multiple pathways, resulting in a tradeoff between benefit and harm. This article explores the potential mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Interactions between glucocorticoids and other potential cardiovascular risk factors are also reviewed. Safe, alternate strategies for minimizing the need for glucocorticoids are urgently needed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus / chemically induced
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology
  • Dyslipidemias / blood
  • Dyslipidemias / chemically induced
  • Dyslipidemias / epidemiology
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Lipids / blood
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Blood Glucose
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Lipids