Most people only associate allergy season with sneezing and itchy eyes – not with heart health.
However, research reveals a surprising connection between allergies, asthma, and cardiovascular problems.
Allergies can lead to chronic inflammation
Allergic reactions create inflammation throughout the body – not just in the nose but deep into the bone marrow, where specialized cells are produced to fight off invaders.
Over time, this persistent inflammation can damage the heart.
Chronic inflammation increases the risk of heart disease
A 2018 review published in Circulation showed that inflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis in the heart’s arteries – a condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Large-scale studies confirm the connection
An analysis of data from 603,000 individuals between 1999 and 2018 found that both asthma and hay fever significantly increase the risk of heart conditions, including heart attacks and coronary artery disease.
Allergic rhinitis significantly raises the risk
People with hay fever had a 25 % greater likelihood of coronary heart disease and a 20 % greater likelihood of having experienced a heart attack compared to those without hay fever.
Asthma poses an even higher risk
Individuals who had a recent asthma attack showed an even greater risk of heart disease, suggesting that severe allergic inflammation is particularly taxing on cardiovascular health.
Asthma and atherosclerosis are more connected than once thought
Previously, asthmatic inflammation and arterial plaque buildup were seen as completely separate issues, but new findings show significant overlap in their inflammatory mechanisms.
Allergy problems can interfere with exercise
Difficulty breathing due to allergies or asthma can make it hard to stay active, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that indirectly increases the risk of heart disease.
Getting the right diagnosis is crucial
Many people self-diagnose and treat what they believe are allergies.
However, symptoms like coughing and runny noses are often caused by reflux or asthma – not allergies.
Correct diagnosis and treatment are vital for improving lung and heart health.
Watch out for medication side effects
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine, commonly used for nasal congestion, can worsen high blood pressure.
Some blood pressure medications can counteract asthma inhalers, and steroid treatments for asthma can impact blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Don’t ignore serious symptoms
If allergies cause lightheadedness or chest pain, it could signal a heart issue.
Any chest pain or stroke-like symptoms should be treated as emergencies.
Coordinated care between specialists matters
Coordinated care between allergists and cardiologists can greatly improve outcomes.
For example, allergy shots helped one patient control both asthma and blood pressure, demonstrating how allergy treatment can indirectly benefit heart health.
This article is based on information from American Heart Association.