A recent study conducted by Michigan State University has found that a loss of sense of smell may indicate an increased risk of developing heart failure.
Heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to effectively pump blood throughout the body, affects an estimated 64 million people globally.
This study sheds light on how certain health conditions and lifestyle choices, such as coronary heart disease, smoking, and binge drinking, can contribute to the development of heart failure.
Implications of Smell Loss:
Dr. Honglei Chen, the lead author of the study and a professor at Michigan State University, explained that about a quarter of older adults experience some form of smell loss or impairment.
Surprisingly, only 30% of those affected are aware of this issue.
Previous research has linked loss of smell to early markers of dementia, but emerging data now suggests broader implications for overall health in older adults.
According to Dr. Chen, there is evidence that loss of smell may be linked to increased risks of pneumonia, functional decline, and frailty.
Link to Cardiovascular Health:
The study also explores a potential connection between loss of smell and cardiovascular health.
Keran Chamberlin, a doctoral researcher at Michigan State University and the first author of the study, highlighted that initial data suggests subclinical cardiovascular changes may impact the sense of smell in older adults.
Right vs Left heart failure pic.twitter.com/iodS30yYod
— Oren Gottfried, MD (@OGdukeneurosurg) June 18, 2024
This association raises the possibility that changes in the sense of smell could serve as an early warning sign for cardiovascular issues and the risk of heart failure.
Public Awareness and Future Research:
Despite these findings, public awareness about the significance of smell loss remains low.
Dr. Chen emphasized the need for increased awareness and monitoring of changes in smell among older adults, as they could indicate underlying health concerns.
Future research will aim to further investigate the relationship between loss of smell and cardiovascular health, potentially leading to new strategies for early detection and intervention in heart failure cases.
Also read: New study links certain personality traits to early signs of heart aging
