Poor Sense of Smell and Heart Disease Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Chamberlin Keran, Li Chenxi, Kucharska-Newton Anna, Luo Zhehui, Reeves Mathew, Shrestha Srishti, Couper David, Chen Honglei
Primary Institution: Michigan State University
Hypothesis
Is poor olfaction associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in older adults?
Conclusion
Poor olfaction is linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease in older adults, but this association weakens over time.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 5142 participants free of coronary heart disease.
- 280 incident coronary heart disease events were identified during the follow-up.
- The association between poor olfaction and coronary heart disease risk was strongest in the first 6 years.
Takeaway
If you can't smell well, it might mean your heart is at risk, but this connection might not last forever.
Methodology
Participants' olfactory status was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks test, and they were followed for up to 9.6 years to track coronary heart disease events.
Limitations
The association between olfaction and CHD risk may diminish over time, indicating that the initial findings may not hold in the long term.
Participant Demographics
Participants were on average 75.4 years old, with 62.9% female and 23.9% Black.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.02, 4.48 at 2-year follow-up; 1.12, 2.34 at 6-year follow-up; 0.77, 1.43 at 9.6-year follow-up.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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