Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as a chronic condition with potential systemic consequences beyond neurological impairment. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation evaluated associations between TBI and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in adults. Searches across Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library were conducted through June 5, 2025.

Observational studies comparing individuals with and without TBI were included, while studies focusing on preinjury CVD, interventional designs, and non-original reports were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health tool, and random-effects meta-analyses were performed.

A total of 21 studies were included, with 18 studies comprising 3,954,962 participants contributing to meta-analysis. Most studies were rated fair to good quality. TBI was associated with higher odds of any CVD (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.39–2.29), coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.20–1.63), arrhythmia (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.12–1.80), hypertension (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.07–1.90), and hyperlipidemia (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.25–2.77). 

Higher risk of cardiac death was observed (risk ratio [RR] 3.07; 95% CI 2.17–3.98). No significant association was observed for heart failure (OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.96–1.39). Adjusted analyses were consistent with unadjusted findings for CAD, cardiac death, hypertension, and heart failure.

TBI was associated with higher odds of multiple cardiovascular outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of cardiovascular evaluation in individuals with TBI.