Chronic constipation is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition that could be potentially life-threatening. Interestingly, emerging research is now shedding light on its surprising connection with heart health. A recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology Heart and Circulatory Physiology revealed a hidden association between constipation and cardiovascular disease risk.
According to the findings, people who experience constipation have a twofold higher risk of developing cardiovascular events such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Moreover, individuals who suffer from both constipation and hypertension are 34% more prone to cardiovascular disease compared to those with hypertension alone.
EVIDENCE FROM SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
• Findings from 2020
A 2020 study provided key insights by revealing a link between constipation and blood clot formation (thrombosis). This discovery suggests that poor bowel motility may impair blood flow, increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism.
• Findings from 2016
Similarly, a 2016 large-scale cohort study found that irregular bowel movements were independently associated with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular events, emphasizing that bowel health and heart health may be more intertwined than previously believed.
Taken together, these findings point toward a physiological connection that deserves greater medical attention.
WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?
Clinically, constipation is defined as decreased bowel movement frequency (fewer than three per week), hard or lumpy stools, straining during defecation, or the sensation of incomplete evacuation. While it is often dismissed as a minor digestive issue, chronic constipation may reflect deeper imbalances in gut function, metabolism, or nervous system regulation all of which can indirectly affect cardiovascular health.
WHY IS CONSTIPATION CONSIDERED A RISK FACTOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS?
Constipation and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) share several common risk factors, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, aging, and certain medications. Although a direct causal link has yet to be proven, the overlapping mechanisms suggest a strong biological connection. In other words, what affects the gut often affects the heart.
HOW DOES CONSTIPATION INCREASE THE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES?
1. Dysbiosis and Inflammation
One leading theory centers around gut dysbiosis an imbalance in the gut microbiota caused by constipation.
Research shows that gut dysbiosis can trigger local and systemic inflammation, alter immune responses, and disturb the enteric nervous system (the “second brain” of the gut). Chronic inflammation, in turn, is a well-established driver of atherosclerosis the buildup of plaques in arteries that leads to heart attacks and strokes.
2. Low Fiber Intake
Dietary habits play a major role. A low-fiber diet contributes to both constipation and cardiovascular disease.
Numerous studies, including a 2021 meta-analysis in The Lancet, demonstrate that high fiber intake significantly lowers total cholesterol, body weight, and blood pressure all critical risk factors for heart disease. Foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains not only prevent constipation by improving stool consistency but also promote cardiovascular health through better lipid metabolism.
3. Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity is another overlapping factor. Lack of exercise slows intestinal motility and increases the risk of heart disease. Conversely, regular physical activity enhances bowel movements by stimulating peristalsis (the natural wave-like muscle contractions of the intestines), improving blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, and activating the vagus nerve, which regulates both digestion and heart rate. Thus, exercise benefits both the gut and the heart simultaneously.
4. Straining and Blood Pressure Spikes
Another proposed mechanism involves straining during bowel movements. When a person strains to pass hard stool, intrathoracic pressure rises, leading to transient spikes in blood pressure a phenomenon known as the Valsalva maneuver. Repeated episodes can strain the cardiovascular system, particularly in individuals with preexisting hypertension or atherosclerosis.
5. Blood Clots and Reduced Circulation
Chronic straining may also reduce venous blood flow and promote blood clot formation, predisposing individuals to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This relationship was highlighted in the 2020 study that found an increased risk of venous thromboembolism among constipated individuals.
6. Atherosclerosis and Arterial Stiffness
Furthermore, chronic stress from constipation, along with gut microbiota disruption and low-grade systemic inflammation, can lead to arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis.
A 2018 Japanese study in Atherosclerosis reported that adults with infrequent bowel movements had significantly higher arterial stiffness scores, suggesting a physiological bridge between bowel dysfunction and vascular aging.
7. Medication-Induced Risk
Certain medications commonly used in older adults such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and antidepressants can induce constipation. Long-term use of these drugs has been independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk, thereby compounding the problem.
8. Aging and Genetic Predisposition
Finally, aging and genetics play a dual role. Both slow gastrointestinal motility and increase the risk of hypertension, vascular calcification, and cardiac dysfunction. The combination of these factors may explain why constipation is particularly common among elderly populations with existing cardiovascular conditions.
CONCLUSION
While it is still premature to conclude that constipation directly causes heart disease, growing scientific evidence suggests a significant association between the two. Constipation may act as a clinical marker indicating shared metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular pathways.
Future research especially large-scale, longitudinal studies will be essential to fully understand this relationship. Meanwhile, adopting preventive lifestyle strategies such as a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, and minimizing medication-related constipation can substantially lower the risk of both constipation and cardiovascular events.
In essence, caring for your gut may be one of the most unexpected yet powerful ways to protect your heart. The gut-heart axis, once overlooked, is now proving to be a vital frontier in preventive medicine.
FAQs
1. Can constipation really increase the risk of heart disease?
Yes, several studies suggest that chronic constipation is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The connection is thought to involve inflammation, poor gut microbiota balance, and shared risk factors like a low fiber diet and physical inactivity.
2. How does gut health affect the heart?
The gut and heart are connected through what scientists call the gut heart axis. An unhealthy gut can trigger inflammation and metabolic changes that contribute to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.
3. What dietary changes can help both constipation and heart health?
A diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts can improve bowel regularity and lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight all important for cardiovascular protection.
4. Can medications for blood pressure or depression cause constipation?
Yes, certain medications such as calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants can slow intestinal movement and cause constipation. If this occurs, consult your healthcare provider before making any medication changes.
5. How can I prevent constipation naturally?
Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods, engage in regular physical activity, and establish a consistent bathroom routine. These habits not only prevent constipation but also support overall heart health.
DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or before making significant lifestyle or dietary changes.
CALL TO ACTION
Your gut and heart work together more closely than you might think. Take charge of both by prioritizing a fiber-rich diet, regular exercise, and mindful hydration. Share this article to help raise awareness about the gut heart connection and encourage others to take simple steps toward better digestive and cardiovascular health.
REFERENCES
1. American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology. (2025). Constipation and Cardiovascular Risk: The Overlooked Link. 2. Kubota, Y. et al. (2016). Bowel Movement Frequency and Cardiovascular Mortality: Results from a Large Cohort Study. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
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