Loss of sense of smell linked to heart failure, claims study

Heart failure, a condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, impacts 64 million people globally. Contributing factors to heart failure include illnesses that weaken the heart muscle, such as coronary heart disease, and detrimental lifestyle choices like smoking and binge drinking.

Recent research from Michigan State University, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggests a novel predictor for heart failure: loss of the sense of smell. Dr. Honglei Chen, the study's lead author, highlighted that approximately 25% of older adults experience some form of smell impairment, yet public awareness is low, with only 30% of those affected recognizing their condition.

Dr. Chen noted that over the past twenty years, smell loss has emerged as a significant early marker for dementia. The study's findings also suggest broader health implications for older adults, including increased risks of pneumonia, functional decline, and frailty.

Keran Chamberlin, the study's first author, pointed out that smell loss might also be linked to cardiovascular health. Preliminary data indicate that subclinical cardiovascular changes could impact the sense of smell in older adults. This connection underscores the importance of olfactory function as a potential early indicator of heart health.