Can Hearing and Vision Loss Predict Heart Health?

Many people associate hearing and vision loss with old age, but did you know that they could also be telltale signs of poor cardiovascular health? Emerging research reveals that middle-aged and older adults experiencing these particular sensory impairments may have a heightened risk of heart disease and stroke compared to those with good eyesight and hearing, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Sensory Loss and Cardiovascular Health Connection

The study assessed 11,332 participants aged 45 and older in China with no previous cardiovascular disease history. Over seven years, 2,156 of the participants reported cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure or other cardiovascular problems. Some of the key findings from the study include:

• Participants with only vision problems had a 24% increased risk of cardiovascular disease

These results reflect growing trends in the United States, where heart disease remains the leading cause of death. Although the exact connection between sensory loss and cardiovascular health is still being explored, research suggests that physical inactivity, social and mental effects of hearing and vision loss and underlying chronic conditions, such as diabetes, are contributing factors to a person’s risk.

Sensory impairments are becoming increasingly common, and it is projected that by 2050, an estimated 895 million people worldwide will have impaired vision, and 2.5 billion will experience hearing loss by that same year. In the United States, current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show:

• 13% of children and adults have some form of visual impairment.

Some signs of hearing loss include difficulty with background noise, frequently thinking others are mumbling when they talk to you and needing to ask others to repeat themselves. Consult a doctor for evaluation and possible treatment if someone close to you mentions concerns about your hearing.

Recognizing Cardiovascular Warning Signs

Heart disease often develops slowly and may go unnoticed for many years, with symptoms that may seem minor or unrelated. The following are some of the warning signs and symptoms to watch out for:

• Chest Pain: Sharp, burning pain that can extend to your neck, arms, jaw, stomach or back
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing during activity, rest or while lying flat, caused by fluid buildup in the lungs
• Coughing or Wheezing: Persistent cough, sometimes producing pink or bloody mucus, may indicate fluid in the lungs
• Swelling (Edema): Noticeable in the legs, ankles, feet or stomach due to slowed blood flow and vein backup
• Narrowed Blood Vessels: Plaque buildup in arteries can restrict blood flow, leading to further complications.
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or sudden weakness, making daily activities difficult
• Fast or Irregular Heartbeat: Arrhythmias can disrupt blood flow, risking heart, brain and organ damage.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

In Conclusion

Although there seems to be a strong association between sensory impairments and cardiovascular disease, further research needs to be done. Recognizing and addressing sensory impairments through glasses or hearing aids could significantly reduce cardiovascular risks to help people with vision loss become more active and help prevent anxiety and depression in those with hearing loss, as it can affect communication and cognitive abilities. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, routine blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring, can also help enhance cardiovascular health and overall quality of life for aging adults.