CONSTIPATION could be an early warning sign of heart disease, a study suggests. Researchers found being bunged up was linked to an increased risk of heart attacks , strokes and heart failure . 2 Scientists found a link between constipation and cardiac events Credit: Getty Professor Francine Marques, from the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, said: "Our study suggests that constipation, a common yet often overlooked health issue, may be a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease.
"Traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and smoking have long been recognised as key drivers of heart disease. "However, these factors alone do not fully explain the occurrence of major cardiac events. "This study explored the potential role of constipation as an additional risk factor, revealing concerning results.
" READ MORE ON HEALTH ROBBED OF LIFE Mum died of heart attack after 'hospital sent her home with paracetamol' WAKE UP How many cups of coffee a day can 'raise your risk of heart attack or stroke' Scientists analysed data from 408,354 people in the UK. Of these, they identified 23,814 cases of constipation . Participants suffering from the condition were more than twice as likely to suffer a major cardiac event than those without it.
This included a heart attack , stroke or hospitalisation for heart failure . Most read in Health KNOW THE SIGNS From bloating to losing your voice - the 22 most common cance.