Seasonal allergies are typically associated with symptoms like itchy eyes and runny noses, but recent studies suggest a connection between allergies, asthma, and heart health. Understanding this link, while not implying every sneeze signals danger, is important. The relationship is not direct; it involves long-term inflammation, according to experts in the field.
Dr. Rauno Joks from State University of New York shares that allergic diseases are a systemic and inflammatory condition. When allergens, such as pollen, enter the body, they trigger an inflammatory response that can even affect bone marrow. This inflammation might contribute to coronary artery disease, as highlighted in a 2018 study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.
Dr. Joks, who has conducted significant research on the subject, revealed findings in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice about the relationship between allergies and heart disease. The study involved 603,000 U.S. participants from the National Health Interview Surveys between 1999 and 2018. Collaborating on the study was Dr. Sairaman Nagarajan, noting that both asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) were linked to higher odds of heart problems like heart attacks or other cardiovascular conditions.
Those with allergic rhinitis had a 25% higher chance of coronary heart disease and a 20% higher chance of suffering a heart attack. The risks were even greater for those with recent asthma attacks. Previous studies had mixed results, but Dr. Nagarajan emphasizes the need for comprehensive, long-term studies to clarify these connections.
Inflammation from allergies and its implications for heart health have gained more attention. Unlike traditionally distinct views, there’s growing evidence showing overlap between asthma-related inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
In practice, experts like Dr. Nora Lin, an allergist from Philadelphia, have seen how allergies can directly and indirectly impact cardiovascular health. Allergens inflaming the respiratory tract can lead to breathing difficulties, affecting the heart. Restricted breathing affects exercise, which is essential for heart health, as many patients avoid physical activity due to breathing struggles.
However, collaboration between allergists and cardiologists can lead to positive outcomes. Dr. Lin cites a patient who benefited from allergy shots to control asthma and blood pressure during allergy season, significantly improving his overall health.
To manage allergies with heart health in mind, experts suggest getting screened for standard heart risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as knowing one’s family history. Symptoms like shortness of breath may indicate either asthma or a heart condition, necessitating professional evaluation.
Diagnosing correctly is crucial, as common symptoms might not be allergy-related—reflux issues or undiagnosed asthma can masquerade as allergies. Correct diagnosis and treatment can greatly enhance a person’s quality of life and enable them to engage in crucial cardiovascular exercises.
Patients should review and disclose all medications and supplements to their doctors, as some treatments for allergies and asthma can adversely affect blood pressure or interact negatively with cardiovascular medications.
If symptoms such as lightheadedness or chest pain occur during allergy episodes, they should be reported to a doctor immediately as they may signify heart problems. Urgent symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Patients with allergies or asthma often do not have the chance to coordinate care between allergists and cardiologists, a gap Dr. Lin wishes to fill given the commonality of both heart disease and allergies. Coordinated care can enhance treatment outcomes significantly, ultimately benefiting heart health when allergic responses are better managed.
The American Heart Association highlights the importance of understanding the intersection between heart and brain health, acknowledging the potential overlap of symptoms and treatments, while calling for further awareness and research into these conditions.