Although very few cases of cholelithiasis development actually require surgical removal of gallstones, the condition itself is relatively common. Over 25 million people in the US had gallstones as of 2023, comprising about 15% of the country’s population. Understanding the gallstone risk factors is crucial to taking necessary precautions to prevent gallstone formation – or any major symptoms at the very least.
The condition is particularly common in wealthy countries, which indicates that it is, at least to some extent, lifestyle-related. With a clear picture of the Cholelithiasis risk factors, individuals can adopt healthier practices that would help keep it at bay.
The 5 Biggest Gallstone Risk Factors and Causes
There are a large number of risk factors for gallstones – which may or may not be under an individual’s control. However, here are the top five factors that contribute to gallstone formation:
Obesity
Considering excess cholesterol is among the most probable causes of gallstones, it’s no surprise that obese or overweight people are more susceptible. In such individuals, the liver produces an excess amount of cholesterol – far more than what the bile salts can break down. This extra cholesterol saturates the gallbladder, eventually crystalising and forming gallstones. Whether a person is obese or overweight is determined by their body mass index (BMI) – a mathematical formula that divides the body weight by the individual’s height in meters squared. Studies have shown that women with high BMIs are about thrice as likely to develop gallstones compared to women who have healthy levels of BMI.
A Family History of Gallstones
Genetics often play a role in gallstone development, with familial studies indicating that those with a family history of gallstones are five times more at risk. This makes it one of the major risk factors for gallstones, requiring those with a family history of the condition to be particularly cautious.
In regards to genetics, it’s worth noting that certain ethnic groups are more susceptible to gallstone development than others. Knowing your family history is, therefore, crucial to evaluating how much you are at risk of developing gallstones.
Being Female
The chance of female gallstone formation is significantly greater than that in males. Women are two to three times more susceptible, which also makes the other gallstone risk factors, such as obesity, more likely to result in gallstones. This is primarily the effect of estrogens – a hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of female features.
High levels of estrogen increase the amount of biliary cholesterol in bile, increasing the dangers of gallstones. The following gallstone risk factors can particularly increase the chances of gallstone formation in women suffering from high estrogen levels:
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal birth control
- Hormone replacement therapy
Ageing
Among the gallstone risk factors that can’t be prevented, ageing deserves special mention. Individuals aged above 40 years of age are more likely to develop gallstones due to increased cholesterol levels. The body begins to release more cholesterol into the bile at this phase of life as an individual age, thus elevating the risk. Approximately 20% of men and 50% of women suffer from gallstones by the age of 75.
Diabetes
Those suffering from diabetes are highly at risk of developing gallstones. Diabetic individuals suffer from a number of associated problems, such as neuropathy, insulin resistance, and high levels of triglyceride. All of these are Cholelithiasis risk factors, affecting the health of the gallbladder. It’s also worth noting that a significant percentage of patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese, which makes them further susceptible to gallstone formation.
Other Potential Gallstone Risk Factors
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High-fat or high-cholesterol diets
- Low-fiber diets
- Certain blood disorders, such as leukaemia and sickle cell anaemia
- Liver disease
- Rapid weight loss
Are gallstones dangerous?
Patients often find themselves wondering, “Are gallstones dangerous?”. In most cases, gallstones do not cause any visible symptoms. However, this doesn’t entirely rule out the chances of complications. Potential dangers of gallstones include:
Bile Duct Blockage
As gallstones grow, they can start blocking the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. This is especially a problem if the stones move into a narrow section, such as the neck of the gallbladder or the bile duct. This can potentially result in bile duct infection, jaundice, and severe pain.
Gallbladder Inflammation
When lodged in the neck of the gallbladder, the stones can cause an inflammation of the gallbladder – a condition known as cholecystitis. It is accompanied by symptoms such as severe pain and fever.
Gallbladder Cancer
Those with a repeated history of gallstones are susceptible to an elevated risk of developing gallbladder cancer. However, despite the increased risk, the chances of gallbladder still remain low as it is extremely rare.
Blocked Pancreatic Ducts
The pancreatic duct is responsible for the flow of pancreatic juices, which are crucial for digestion. It originates from the pancreas, connecting to the common bile duct right before it enters the duodenum. Gallstones moving into the common bile duct can eventually block the pancreatic duct, resulting in pancreatitis – an inflammation of the pancreas that causes intense and constant abdominal pain.
How to Reduce the Risk of Gallstones?
It may not be possible to prevent gallstones entirely due to factors such as ageing and the increased risk of female gallstones. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in mitigating the other gallstone risk factors. For instance, maintaining a healthy diet and keeping the BMI at safe levels can help keep the cholesterol level low. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while that of 30 or above counts as obese. Living an active lifestyle can lower the risk of developing gallstones, too, as opposed to a sedentary lifestyle that would cause a spike in cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of the gallstone risk factors in detail, it should be easier to keep Cholelithiasis at bay. It’s best to adopt a proactive approach that combines lifestyle improvements with regular medical checkups, especially as you age. Our experienced doctors at Santokh Hospital offer comprehensive care for gallstone treatment and prevention. You may count on them to help reduce the gallstone risk factors thanks to their extensive experience.