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.

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