A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology on September 5 has revealed that individuals with throat problems may be at higher risk of experiencing fatal heart attacks or strokes in the future. Led by the University of Southampton, researchers found that patients with throat issues, such as those caused by viral infections or acid reflux, had difficulty regulating their blood pressure and heart rate. This is believed to be due to nerve damage in the throat affecting baroreflex, a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for monitoring and adjusting blood pressure levels.
The study highlights that disturbances in the throat’s reflexes, caused by factors like viral infections or reflux, can compromise the control of airway passages, leading to symptoms like throat clearing and coughing. Professor Reza Nouraei, the lead author of the study and a Professor of Laryngology and Clinical Informatics at the University of Southampton, emphasized the impact of a faulty throat on the body’s autonomic control system. In patients with compromised throat function, the heart’s baroreflex, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, becomes less effective, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular complications in the long term.
Comparing patients with aerodigestive and digestive symptoms at University Hospitals of Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, researchers found that individuals with aerodigestive symptoms exhibited higher resting heart rates, lower blood pressure, and reduced baroreflex sensitivity compared to those with digestive symptoms. Reflux was identified as a common cause of symptoms in both groups, with aerodigestive patients showing poorer heart rate and blood pressure regulation.
The findings underscore the importance of timely and accurate diagnoses and early intervention for throat issues, especially in the context of nerve damage caused by conditions like Covid-19. The study suggests that addressing throat problems can have broader implications for overall health by freeing up nerve functionality for vital bodily functions beyond airway protection. By understanding the interconnectedness of throat health and autonomic control, healthcare providers can better assess and manage risks associated with heart health and stroke incidence in patients with throat problems.