A recent study has established a significant link between poor olfactory function and an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) among older adults. The findings, published online on October 30, 2025, in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, highlight the importance of olfactory assessment as a potential indicator of cardiovascular health.
Researchers, led by Keran W. Chamberlin, Ph.D., from Michigan State University in East Lansing, conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing secondary data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. This study examined a population of 5,142 older adults who initially did not have CHD and underwent olfactory evaluations during their fifth visit.
The olfactory function of participants was assessed using a 12-item odor identification test, categorizing their sense of smell as good, moderate, or poor. Over a follow-up period of approximately 9.6 years, the researchers identified 280 new cases of CHD, representing 5.4% of the study population.
The results indicated a clear association between poor olfaction and an elevated risk for developing CHD. The adjusted marginal risk ratio for individuals with poor olfactory function compared to those with good olfaction was measured at 2.06 (95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 4.53) at two years, gradually decreasing to 1.08 (0.78 to 1.44) by the ninth year. These findings were further validated through period-specific, cause-specific Cox regression analyses, confirming the time-varying nature of these associations.
Insights and Implications
The study also revealed a weaker association between moderate olfactory function and CHD risk, following a similar time-varying pattern. Neil Shah, M.D., a noninvasive cardiologist at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York, commented on the implications of these findings. He noted, “If there is a decline in one’s sense of smell that can’t be explained by some other means, or even if it can, it should be an opportunity to do a comprehensive risk assessment.”
The research suggests that olfactory testing could serve as a valuable tool in identifying individuals at heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases, thereby allowing for early intervention and management strategies.
As public health initiatives continue to evolve, integrating sensory assessments such as olfaction into routine medical evaluations may enhance the ability to predict and prevent heart disease among older populations.
These findings not only underscore the intricate connections between sensory functions and cardiovascular health but also pave the way for future research focused on the underlying mechanisms linking olfactory impairment and heart disease.
