A recent study conducted in China has uncovered a concerning link between sensory impairments and increased cardiovascular risks in middle-aged and older adults. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study reveals that individuals experiencing difficulties with sight and hearing face a greater likelihood of having a stroke or heart attack compared to those with no sensory deficits. The researchers advocate for the importance of screening for these sensory issues and treating them promptly with eyeglasses or hearing aids, emphasizing the need for enhanced cardiovascular health in this demographic.
This research is particularly relevant in the United States, where heart disease is the leading cause of death and stroke holds the fifth position. The aging population continues to grapple with a rise in both hearing and vision loss. According to findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13% of children and adults in the U.S. are affected by visual impairment, and around 15% of adults face some level of hearing difficulty, even when assisted by hearing aids. By the time individuals reach 71 years of age, more than a quarter are expected to experience vision impairments, and 55% of those aged 75 and older suffer from significant hearing loss.
For this study, researchers evaluated survey data from over 11,000 Chinese participants aged 45 and above who had no prior cardiovascular disease. Data regarding their sight and hearing was collected in 2011, and after seven years of follow-up, 2,156 participants reported being diagnosed with conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, heart failures, or chest pains. Those with only vision issues showed a 24% increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, while those with hearing loss had a 20% increase. Notably, participants with both types of impairments faced a 35% higher risk of cardiovascular problems.
The authors emphasized that their study uniquely examined the combined impacts of visual and auditory difficulties on cardiovascular health, whereas previous studies mainly focused on one type of sensory loss at a time. This distinction highlights the need for more comprehensive investigations into how sensory deficits affect cardiovascular health specifically, as opposed to general aspects of quality of life or cognitive function.
Dr. Xiaowei Zheng, the senior author of the study from Jiangnan University, pointed out the rising prevalence of hearing and vision loss due to advancing age. Projections suggest that by 2050, approximately 895 million individuals globally will suffer from visual impairments, while around 2.5 billion people are expected to experience hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization.
Dr. Zheng also expressed optimism for future research that could explore how the use of glasses or hearing aids could potentially lessen the development of cardiovascular disease. However, the exact reasons that link sensory impairments with higher cardiovascular risks remain uncertain. Previous research has indicated that a significant number of adults with vision loss often have multiple risk factors, such as high blood pressure and obesity, potentially stemming from reduced physical activity levels. Meanwhile, hearing impairment may hinder communication and cognitive capabilities in older adults, possibly leading them towards social withdrawal or mental health issues that further elevate cardiovascular risks.
Dr. Rebecca Boxer, a geriatrics expert at UC Davis Health, supports the increased focus on the health implications of sensory impairments, noting the current research landscape has mainly concentrated on the relations between hearing loss and cognitive decline or dementia. Highlighting the broader impacts, she stated that sensory deficits influence various aspects of life and can diminish individuals’ overall quality of life.
Despite the significant associations discovered in the study, Dr. Boxer cautioned that the research only indicates correlation, not causation, between sensory loss and cardiovascular disease. Further investigations are necessary to ascertain if factors like reduced physical activity are contributing to the observed risks. She expressed interest in determining whether participants diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions consistently adhered to medication regimens for chronic health issues. Boxer also pointed out the limitations of self-reported survey data, suggesting that individuals may underreport their hearing difficulties despite evident impairments in clinical tests.
Overall, she emphasized the necessity for more rigorous studies to deepen the understanding of the intricate connections between sensory deficits and cardiovascular health.