Is Loss of Smell More Than It Seems?
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By
October 30, 2025
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2 min
A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology reveals that a simple 12-item smell identification test can help identify older adults at increased short-term risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Conducted on 5,142 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, the research found that those with impaired olfactory function had about double the risk of developing CHD within four years compared to individuals with normal smell function. The association weakened over time but suggested that poor olfaction may indicate underlying atherosclerosis or compromised well-being.
1. Smell test identifies cardiovascular risk in older adults. 2. Study published in JAMA Otolaryngology. 3. 5,142 participants analyzed over 9.6 years. 4. Poor olfaction linked to doubling CHD risk in first 4 years. 5. Risk ratio for olfactory impairment of 2.06 at year 2. 6. Association weakened over time. 7. Impaired smell may indicate subclinical health issues. 8. Research suggests olfaction can affect nutrition and mental health.
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