Scientists from Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine have revealed that loss of smell is one of the high-risk signs of congestive heart failure. They shared their research findings in the Journal of American Heart Association.
The acuity of the sense of smell often decreases, reports Planet Today. Studies show that by the age of 50, the ability to smell decreases in one out of every four person. More than half of people aged 80 and older already experience such complications, which often lead to a decrease in the quality of life and an increase in risks. For example, a person might not detect the smell of rotten food or pus discharge, leading to dangerous consequences.
Two thousand five hundred thirty-seven volunteers aged 70-79 participated in the new research. It has been revealed that loss of smell can be one of the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF).
In this pathological condition, the heart cannot pump blood effectively or only does so when the blood pressure is abnormally high. Congestive heart failure develops as a result of weak contractile activity of the heart. It has been found that the likelihood of heart failure due to loss of smell increases by approximately 30 percent.