A recent study has revealed a significant association between poor olfactory function and an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in older adults. The findings, published on October 30, 2025, in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, highlight the importance of sense of smell as a potential indicator of cardiovascular health.
Researchers, led by Keran W. Chamberlin, Ph.D., from Michigan State University, conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. The study involved 5,142 older adults who were free from CHD at the beginning of the assessment. The participants’ olfactory function was evaluated using a 12-item odor identification test, categorizing their sense of smell as good, moderate, or poor.
Over an average follow-up period of 9.6 years, the researchers documented 280 incident CHD events, representing approximately 5.4% of the study population. The analysis found that individuals with poor olfaction faced a significantly heightened risk of developing CHD. Specifically, when comparing those with poor olfactory function to those with good olfaction, the adjusted marginal risk ratio for CHD was noted as 2.06, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.04 to 4.53 at two years, and showed a pattern of elevated risk across subsequent years.
Longitudinal Findings and Implications
As the study progressed, the association between poor olfaction and elevated CHD risk appeared to diminish over time. The risk ratios were recorded as 2.02 at four years, 1.59 at six years, 1.22 at eight years, and 1.08 at nine years, indicating a gradual attenuation of the link. These results were further supported by period-specific, cause-specific Cox regression analyses, confirming the time-varying associations.
In subgroup and sensitivity analyses, the findings remained consistent, although a weaker association was observed between moderate olfaction and CHD risk, following a similar temporal pattern.
Dr. Neil Shah, a noninvasive cardiologist at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York, emphasized the clinical implications of the study. He stated, “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.” This insight suggests that healthcare providers may need to consider olfactory function during routine assessments, particularly for older patients.
The study underscores the potential of olfaction as a simple and accessible screening tool for identifying individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. As researchers continue to explore the intricate links between sensory functions and overall health, findings such as these could pave the way for enhanced preventative measures in clinical practice.
For more detailed information, refer to the original research by Keran W. Chamberlin et al., titled “Olfaction and Coronary Heart Disease,” published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (2025).
