November 02, 2024

Gut Health Warning: Constipation May Impact Heart Safety

Constipation may seem like a minor inconvenience, but recent research suggests it could play a much larger role in heart health than previously thought. A new study highlights a significant link between constipation and increased risk for serious heart issues, including heart attack and stroke, especially among individuals with high blood pressure. People who experience chronic constipation are shown to face double the risk of major heart health problems compared to those with regular bowel habits. Specifically, constipated individuals have a 2.7 times higher risk of developing heart failure, a 2.4 times greater risk of stroke, and are 1.6 times more likely to experience a heart attack or angina.

This research, led by Dr. Tenghao Zheng, a clinical data analyst at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, could lead to new ways to prevent and manage cardiac risk by focusing on digestive health. Dr. Zheng's team analyzed data from over 400,000 participants in the U.K. Biobank research project, which includes comprehensive health data, lifestyle information, and self-reported conditions and medication usage. Their findings show that constipation, while often dismissed as a mild health concern, could indicate a predisposition to heart disease, particularly for those with elevated blood pressure.

What's especially concerning is the compounded risk for individuals with both constipation and high blood pressure. These individuals faced a 68% higher risk for major cardiac events than those with high blood pressure alone. In addition, researchers discovered a surprising genetic connection between constipation and heart disease, with up to 27% of genetic markers for constipation overlapping with those for heart disease. Though constipation is only about 4% heritable, this genetic link may offer a deeper understanding of shared biological pathways between the digestive and cardiovascular systems.

The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, emphasizes the need for further research into how digestive health impacts cardiac risk. "We identified constipation as a potential risk factor independently associated with higher MACE [major adverse cardiac events] prevalence," wrote the researchers, underscoring the importance of investigating preventive approaches that consider both digestive and heart health.

Tips to Alleviate Constipation and Support Heart Health
- Stay Well-Hydrated: Proper hydration is key to digestive health and can help prevent constipation by keeping stool soft.

- Increase Dietary Fiber: Foods rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, promote regularity and improve gut health.

- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity not only benefits heart health but also stimulates the digestive system, reducing constipation.

- Limit Low-Fiber and Processed Foods: Reducing intake of processed foods and dairy can prevent constipation, while a diet high in fiber supports healthy digestion.

- Try Natural Remedies: Foods like prunes, flaxseed, or psyllium supplements can offer gentle relief from constipation.