2023-08-09 10:21:00
Constipation, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and hypertension? Yes, if we are to believe the results of a study published in Scientific Reports.
Constipation increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes
In extensive research conducted by La Trobe University on more than half a million hospital admissions in the state of Victoria, Australia, patients with constipation had a risk of hypertension almost two times times higher than other patients.
Although it is uncertain whether constipation is a direct cause of hypertension in elderly patients, such a relationship is plausible. In fact, constipation leads toincreased water absorption from the intestine, changes in the microbiota and inflammation, all of which might lead to hypertension”, said one of the study directors, Professor Chris Sobey.
Constipated patients were also more likely to suffer major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide
The study involved 541,172 hospitalized patients over the age of 60, 15.2% of whom suffered from constipation. It found that this disorder was associated with a 96% increased risk of hypertension and an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and all cardiovascular events.
In addition, participants with both constipation and hypertension had a risk of cardiovascular events more than 500% higher than that of patients with neither condition. These relationships were similar for men and women.
Cardiovascular diseases: it is essential to identify their non-traditional risk factors
According to Professor Grant Drummond, one of the study’s directors, despite efforts to modify traditional risk factors for cardiovascular illnesses (CVD) through lifestyle interventions and medications, cardiovascular events are still responsible for 32% of deaths worldwide, 85% of which are due to heart attacks or strokes .
“Therefore, it is essential to identify non-traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and develop strategies to address them in order to further reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.“, did he declare.
Constipation might therefore be one of the effective means on which to act.
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