Cardiovascular health and mortality in Cushing’s disease

Exposure to cortisol excess in Cushing’s disease (CD) results in increased cardiovascular morbidity and reduces survival, with cardiovascular disease being a leading cause of death. At diagnosis, a significant number of patients have adverse cardiovascular profiles (e.g., obesity, diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiac abnormalities and vascular disease). Remission of hypercortisolemia reduces but does not completely eliminate the cardiovascular complications; hazard ratios for myocardial infarction and stroke are high during long-term monitoring, highlighting the long-lasting effects of hypercortisolism and the importance of the timely diagnosis and successful management of this condition. Data on mortality of patients in remission are not consistent but in a multicenter study, an increased all-cause and circulatory mortality in patients with CD in remission for at least 10 years has been demonstrated. Cardiovascular morbidity requires particular focus and effective management during the care of patients with CD, from their presentation until long-term follow up.