Nola Reporter

• February was declared National Heart Month in 1964 in order to raise awareness of heart disease in the United States.
• Many people with chronic sinusitis might not realize that untreated sinus issues can lead to cardiovascular issues. 
• Studies have shown that chronic sinusitis increases the chances of stroke and even heart disease.

Untreated sinus issues can cause many different problems down the line, and it is important to remember during American Heart Month the links between chronic sinusitis and cardiovascular health. According to Dr. Gregory Pippin of the ENT & Allergy of New Orleans, sinusitis can lead to serious issues such as stroke and heart problems.

"Sinusitis patients have chronic inflammation, and it elicits an immune response, which absolutely can increase your risk of having heart disease or having a stroke," Dr. Pippin told the Nola Reporter.

According to the CDC, February is American Heart Month, where people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. This year, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is encouraging women specifically to speak up for their health. The month is meant to reinforce the importance of heart health.

In 2005, a prospective cohort study from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database concluded that both acute and chronic sinusitis (CRS) are risk markers for stroke and that they are completely separate from traditional markers for stroke.

According to Next Avenue, sinus problems are common among Americans, affecting 1 in 5 adults annually, leading to headaches and congestion. However, a study from Taipei Medical University revealed a link between sinus inflammation and stroke risk, with chronic sinusitis increasing the odds by 34% and acute infections by 39%. This risk is particularly heightened for adults in midlife. Seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms beyond 7 to 10 days is advised due to the broader health implications associated with sinus inflammation.

Further studies have shown that there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease with chronic sinusitis, such as a 2022 study by the International Rhinologic Society.

Dr. Pippin is certified as both an otolaryngologist and a facial plastic surgeon, as noted on ENT and Allergy of New Orleans' website. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and continued his medical education at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He subsequently completed a comprehensive residency program covering otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, facial plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.