History of Allergies Potentially Associated With Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease

New data from the National Health Interview Survey demonstrate that adults with a history of allergic disorders may have an increased risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, with the highest risk seen among Black male adults.

“For patients with allergic disorders, routine evaluation of blood pressure and routine examination for coronary heart disease should be given by clinicians to ensure early treatments are given to those with hypertension or coronary heart disease,” said lead author Yang Guo, PhD, in a press release.

Earlier studies have reported an association between allergic disorders and cardiovascular disease, but Guo said these findings remain controversial. The current study aimed to determine whether adults with allergic disorders have an increased cardiovascular risk.

Investigators used 2012 data from the National Health Interview Survey, which is a cross-sectional survey of the US population. The allergic group included adults with at least 1 allergic disorder, including asthma, respiratory allergies, digestive allergies, skin allergies, and other allergies.

Overall, the study included 34,417 adults, more than half of whom were women, with an average age of 48.5 years. The allergic group included 10,045 adults. Investigators adjusted for age, sex, race, smoking, alcohol drinking, and body mass index, and they also examined subgroups stratified by demographic factors.

The researchers found that a history of allergic disorders was associated with increased risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. In further analyses, data showed that individuals with a history of allergic disorders between the ages of 18 and 57 years had a higher risk of high blood pressure.

An increased risk of coronary heart disease was also seen in study participants who were between 39 and 57 years of age, male, and Black. Asthma contributed most to the risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.

“Further large cohort studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm out findings,” Guo said in the press release. “Additionally, appreciating the underlying mechanism may help future management in such individuals.”

REFERENCE

History of allergies may be associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease. EurekAlert; April 11, 2022. Accessed April 18, 2022. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/949115