Strange Nose Symptom Signals Heart Trouble
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 28, 2024
Heart disease is a silent killer.
It often lurks in the shadows, slowly damaging your cardiovascular system without any obvious signs or symptoms. By the time you realize something’s wrong, it may be too late.
But exciting new research has given us a surprising way to help you spot heart trouble BEFORE it’s too late.
It all comes down to your sense of smell.
A groundbreaking study uncovered a strange link between loss of smell (anosmia) and an increased risk of heart disease.
The research published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery followed over 3,000 adults 40 to 85 for more than 10 years. At the start of the study, participants were asked to identify five common odors:
- peppermint
- fish
- orange
- rose
- leather
The results were alarming. Those who couldn’t correctly identify at least four of the five scents had a 46 percent higher risk of developing heart disease over the next decade than those with a normal sense of smell.
The study also revealed that the risk of heart disease increases with the severity of the anosmia.
Participants who couldn’t identify any of the five odors had a staggering 87 percent higher risk of heart disease than those with a keen sense of smell.
As strange as it sounds, researchers believe that a loss of smell can be an early warning sign of underlying health issues that can contribute to heart disease.
You see, your sense of smell is closely linked to your nervous system. So, it could be a red flag for other health complications when something disrupts the nerves that control your sense of smell.
In fact, previous studies have linked anosmia to a range of health issues, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and kidney disease. We can now add heart disease to that list.
But don’t panic. While a loss of smell could be cause for concern, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re destined for heart trouble.
After all, many other factors contribute to heart disease—including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, noticing your sense of smell slipping could be an early warning sign.
The key is to be proactive about your heart health. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. They may recommend tests or screenings for underlying heart and health issues.
And, of course, remember the basics of heart-healthy living. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise regularly. Manage your stress levels. And if you smoke, quit.
P.S. These humble gut bugs are heart disease superheroes. Get the details here.
Source:
Keran W. Chamberlin, MSc; Yaqun Yuan, PhD; Chenxi Li., et al., Olfactory Impairment and the Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults, J Am Heart Assoc. 2024;13:e033320. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033320
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...