Monash University researchers have led an international study that has uncovered an unexpected link between constipation and an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
The study, led by Professor Francine Marques from the School of Biological Sciences and published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, analysed data from over 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank.
“Our findings suggest that constipation, often overlooked as a minor health issue, may play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular disease,” said Professor Marques.
While traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking have long been recognised as key drivers of heart disease, these factors alone do not fully account for all major cardiac events.
“This research explores constipation as an additional risk factor, revealing alarming results,” she added.
The team examined data from 408,354 individuals, identifying 23,814 cases of constipation. The results showed that those suffering from constipation were more than twice as likely to experience a major cardiac event compared to those without constipation.
Furthermore, the study found a particularly troubling connection between constipation and hypertension. Hypertensive individuals who also experienced constipation faced a 34% increased risk of subsequent cardiac events compared to those with hypertension alone.
“Our study suggests that constipation may amplify the cardiovascular risks associated with high blood pressure, further raising the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes,” Professor Marques explained.
In addition to these findings, the research also explored genetic links between constipation and cardiovascular disease. “We identified positive genetic correlations between constipation and various forms of MACE, indicating shared genetic factors may be at play. This opens new avenues for research into the mechanisms connecting gut health and heart health,” said Dr Leticia Camargo Tavares, co-first author of the study.
With constipation affecting an estimated 14% of the global population, particularly older adults and women, these findings imply that a significant portion of the population may be at heightened risk for cardiovascular disease due to bowel health, according to Professor Marques.
The study authors stressed the need for further research to determine the causal relationship between constipation and MACE and to identify the specific biological pathways involved. One possible mechanism may involve a ‘leaky gut,’ and the team is actively recruiting participants to investigate this further (www.marqueslab.com/gut).
This research challenges the conventional understanding of cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the importance of gut health in preventing and managing heart disease. As the global burden of cardiovascular disease continues to rise, these findings could lead to new strategies in personalised medicine, potentially reducing the incidence of life-threatening cardiac events.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
💡🫀 @MonashUni research uncovers a surprising link between constipation & increased #heartdisease risk. This finding highlights the importance of gut health in preventing cardiac events. Discover more & share your views! 🔬💬📊 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/t7h2k1qyY0
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) August 20, 2024
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
