Constipation Is Linked to a Higher Risk of Heart Problems

Constipation might elevate the Higher Risk of Heart Problems, especially in individuals with high blood pressure. Research has already connected constipation to blood clots and heart disease. Making lifestyle adjustments, like incorporating a high-fibre diet and engaging in regular exercise, can enhance both constipation and overall health.

Constipation doesn’t only make you uncomfortable and bloated, but it could also increase your risk of heart problems, according to a new study.
People with constipation and high blood pressure have a 34% higher chance of cardiac events, such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, compared to people with high blood pressure but no constipation, the study found.

These findings add to a growing body of evidence that connects constipation and heart problems. A study in 2020 found a strong link between constipation and blood clots in veins, while a 2016 study associated infrequent bowel movement with a greater risk of dying from heart disease.

Thousands of Americans die from heart disease every year,4 so finding additional risk factors to target is always important, said Spencer D. Liu, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital who was not involved in the study.

However, more research is needed to confirm if there’s a causal relationship between constipation and heart disease.

“It’s hard to say whether constipation directly causes heart disease because a lot of the things that can cause constipation are seen in heart disease,” Liu told Very Well.

Constipation and Heart Disease Share Similar Risk Factors
Some theories say that gut microbiome imbalance—often linked to constipation—may disrupt the intestinal mucosal barrier and cause an inflammatory reaction that contributes to heart disease, according to Pratima Dibba, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Medical Offices of Manhattan.

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Another theory suggests that genetics are at play. People who are genetically predisposed to constipation may have a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib), but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
“[O]ther shared risk factors, such as not having enough fibre in our diet, may contribute to the development of these diseases,” Francine Marques, PhD, senior author of the new study and a professor of genetics and head of the Hypertension Research Laboratory at Monash University, told Very well in an email.

Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Constipation and Heart Health
Certain risk factors, such as ageing and genetics, are out of your control. However, managing lifestyle factors may improve your bowel movements and cardiovascular outcomes.

“One can decrease their constipation with healthy high-fibre diets, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. In some cases of constipation, reviewing medications with an individual’s doctor to identify potential causes may also help alleviate symptoms,” Christopher Damman, MD, an associate professor of gastroenterology and medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, told Very Well in an email.

Getting between 20 to 35 grams of fibre per day from fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains helps prevent constipation.6 Fiber is also important for weight management and lowering cholesterol, which can reduce heart disease risk.

While it’s unclear whether regular bowel movements can prevent heart disease, eating a high-fibre diet and staying physically active can benefit overall health.

Frequent constipation, especially if you have high blood pressure, is linked to a higher risk of heart cardiac events. Making simple lifestyle changes like increasing fibre intake and staying active could benefit both your digestive and heart health.