Unexpected predictor of heart disease discovered

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

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to foreign media, analysis of data from more than 5,000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study revealed a surprising pattern: people with impaired sense of smell were approximately twice as likely to experience heart attacks in subsequent years compared to those who maintained their ability to distinguish smells. Notably, this connection was most pronounced in the first years of observation, gradually weakening over time.

According to researchers, decreased sense of smell may serve as an indicator of hidden vascular and inflammatory processes that negatively affect nerve pathways and vascular endothelium. Medical professionals strongly emphasize an important fact: a sharp deterioration in sense of smell should not be attributed to normal age-related changes, but should be perceived as a serious signal to immediately undergo a comprehensive examination of the cardiovascular system.