A recent study conducted by researchers from Monash University in Australia highlights a surprising link between chronic constipation and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, this study is based on data from over 400,000 individuals from the UK Biobank, a large British database.
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Researchers found that individuals suffering from constipation are two to three times more likely to experience a major cardiac event, such as a heart attack or a stroke, compared to those without this issue. The risk is even more pronounced in individuals suffering from both constipation and high blood pressure, with a 34% increase in the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
For Francine Marques, the lead researcher of the study, these findings reveal an often-overlooked risk factor. "Traditional factors like hypertension, obesity, and smoking are well-known, but they do not fully explain the occurrence of major cardiac events. This study shows that constipation could play an important role," she explains.
The implications of these findings are vast, particularly regarding gut health and its role in heart disease. Researchers have identified genetic correlations between constipation and various forms of cardiovascular diseases.
According to Leticia Camargo Tavares, co-author of the study, "this suggests that shared genetic factors could underlie these two conditions." This genetic link offers new perspectives for research into the biological mechanisms linking gut health and cardiovascular health.
However, this study remains observational and does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Further research is necessary to understand the exact mechanisms by which constipation could affect cardiovascular risk.
One hypothesis put forward is that of increased intestinal permeability, also known as "leaky gut syndrome." This phenomenon could cause chronic low-grade inflammation, a known risk factor for heart diseases.
Pending further results, researchers emphasize the importance of considering gut health in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. "At a time when the global burden of cardiovascular diseases is increasing, these discoveries could pave the way for new strategies in personalized medicine," concludes Francine Marques.