CONSTIPATION could be an early warning sign of heart disease, a study suggests.
Researchers found being bunged up was linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
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Professor Francine Marques, from the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, said: “Our study suggests that constipation, a common yet often overlooked health issue, may be a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease.
“Traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and smoking have long been recognised as key drivers of heart disease.
“However, these factors alone do not fully explain the occurrence of major cardiac events.
“This study explored the potential role of constipation as an additional risk factor, revealing concerning results.”
Scientists analysed data from 408,354 people in the UK.
Of these, they identified 23,814 cases of constipation.
Participants suffering from the condition were more than twice as likely to suffer a major cardiac event than those without it.
This included a heart attack, stroke or hospitalisation for heart failure.
Researchers also found a “concerning” link between constipation and high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Those with hypertension who also suffered constipation were found to have a 34 per cent increased risk of subsequent cardiac events than those with high blood pressure alone.
“Our research suggests that constipation may exacerbate the cardiovascular risks associated with high blood pressure, further increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes,” Prof Marques said.
She and colleagues also discovered a genetic link between constipation and cardiovascular disease.
“Positive genetic correlations were identified between constipation and various forms of major adverse cardiac events, indicating that shared genetic factors may underlie both conditions,” Dr Leticia Camargo Tavares, co-first author of the study, said.
“This discovery opens new avenues for research into the underlying mechanisms that connect gut health and heart health.”
The researchers now want to study the causal relationship between constipation and cardiac events, and identify how “leaky gut” could be involved.
The term describes a hypothetical condition which can cause painful indigestion, diarrhoea, gas and bloating, and low energy, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Other dangers you might spot on the loo
Blood
Bleeding from the bottom or having blood in your poo can have several cases, including haemorrhoids.
But it is also one of the most obvious red flags when it comes to bowel cancer.
Diarrhoea
Sometimes, looser stools can be the result of a heavy night drinking, nerves or from eating food that was slightly “off”.
But there are many different causes of diarrhoea, including gastroenteritis, Covid, E. coli, a parasite, contaminated food or water, food allergies or intolerances, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome.
Even sepsis, ovarian cancer and bowel cancer can cause the runs.
Change in habits
If you’ve experienced a change in your normal toilet habits – like going more often, not as much, having diarrhoea or constipation, or urgency – then you should book an appointment with your GP.
These can all be symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease and bowel cancer.
Strange smells
A very tar-y or foul-smelling poo could be a sign of an infection, food intolerance or a side effect of antibiotics.
Some cancers, like pancreatic and bowel, can also cause stinky stools.
Weird colours
If your poop is dark red or black, this can be a sign of cancer higher up the bowel or from a bleeding stomach ulcer.
Notice it’s got a green or blue hue? This could be a result of a bacterial infection.
“The implications of this study are far-reaching,” Prof Marques said.
“With constipation affecting an estimated 14 per cent of the global population, particularly older adults and women, these findings suggest that a significant portion of the population may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to their bowel health.
“This research challenges the traditional understanding of cardiovascular risk factors and underscores the importance of considering gut health in the prevention and management of heart disease.
“As the global burden of cardiovascular disease continues to rise, these findings could pave the way for new strategies in personalised medicine, helping to identify individuals at higher risk and potentially reducing the incidence of life-threatening cardiac events.”
The findings were published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.
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