Cholesterol Gallstones : Risk Factors

Comments:
AGE: The prevalence of cholesterol gallstones increases linearly with age. They predominantly affect individuals of middle to older age. They used to be uncommon in children; however, the incidence of childhood gallstones has increased considerably in the modern times due to rise in childhood obesity, lack of physical activity, diabetes, and early pregnancies.

GENDER: Gallstones are more common in females, regardless of region or ethnicity. The associated risk factors include pregnancy, multiparity, estrogen replacement therapy, and oral contraceptive usage. The higher incidence in women compared to men is especially noticeable at ages 30 to 40, but the difference declines somewhat with advancing age. At all ages, women are twice as likely as men to form cholesterol gallstones.

The image shows multifaceted cholesterol stones in a cholecystectomy specimen.