Dr. Philip McMillan, John McMillan

A groundbreaking study has revealed a surprising connection between constipation and an elevated risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), shedding new light on the complex relationship between gut health and heart health. This research, conducted by an international team led by Professor Francine Marques from Monash University’s School of Biological Sciences, analyzed data from over 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank.

Key Findings

The study identified 23,814 cases of constipation among the 408,354 individuals analyzed. Researchers found that people suffering from constipation were more than twice as likely to experience a major cardiac event compared to those without constipation.

• Major adverse cardiac events examined in the study included:
• Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
• Ischemic stroke
• Heart failure (HF)
• The odds ratios for each MACE subgroup were as follows:
• Heart failure: OR=2.72
• Ischemic stroke: OR=2.36
• Acute coronary syndrome: OR=1.62

One of the most concerning findings was the relationship between constipation and hypertension. The study revealed that hypertensive individuals who also suffered from constipation had a 34% increased risk of subsequent cardiac events compared to those with hypertension alone. The research team also discovered positive genetic correlations between constipation and various forms of MACE. This suggests that shared genetic factors may underlie both conditions, opening new avenues for research into the mechanisms connecting gut health and heart health. The genetic correlations (rg) between constipation and MACE subgroups were:

• Acute coronary syndrome: rg=0.27
• Ischemic stroke: rg=0.23
• Heart failure: rg=0.21

 

Implications and Future Research

With constipation affecting an estimated 14% 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. The study authors emphasize the need for further research to explore the causal relationship between constipation and MACE and to identify the specific biological pathways involved. One potential mechanism being investigated is the concept of a “leaky gut,” where increased intestinal permeability may allow toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. 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.  It also serves as a reminder that seemingly unrelated health issues can have far-reaching effects on our bodies, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to healthcare.