An unexpected sign of heart disease risk has been identified

Deterioration of sense of smell in elderly people may be an early sign of increased risk of ischemic heart disease, as shown by research from Michigan State University, published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to foreign media, a large-scale analysis of data from more than 5000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study revealed a striking pattern: people with impaired sense of smell were almost twice as likely to experience heart attacks in subsequent years compared to those who maintained the ability to distinguish smells. This connection was especially pronounced in the first years of observation, gradually weakening over time.

According to researchers, a decrease in the sense of smell may indicate hidden vascular and inflammatory processes that negatively affect nerve pathways and vascular endothelium. Medical professionals strongly warn: a sharp deterioration in the ability to distinguish smells should not be attributed to the natural aging process, but should be considered as a serious signal for immediate examination of the cardiovascular system.