Gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, affects millions of people worldwide. It is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

This leads to an immune system attack on the small intestine, leading to various health problems. Recent research has linked gluten intolerance with an increased risk of heart attacks. In this article, we will look at the study that revealed this connection and what it means for those with celiac disease.

The Study

A study was conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago and published in the British Medical Journal. The study analyzed data from more than 22 million patient records between 1999 and 2013.

Out of these patients, over 100,000 had received a diagnosis of celiac disease.

The researchers found that people with celiac disease were 1.4 times more likely to suffer from heart attacks than those without the condition.

This increased risk persisted even after adjusting for other factors such as age, gender, race and pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

The study also found that the risk of heart attack was highest in the first year after diagnosis. During this time, people with celiac disease had a 2.4 times greater risk of heart attacks compared to those without the disease.

Possible Explanations

The exact reason why gluten intolerance may lead to an increased risk of heart attacks is still unknown. However, researchers have proposed several theories.

One possible explanation could be inflammation. Celiac disease causes inflammation in the small intestine, and chronic inflammation is known to contribute to heart disease.

Studies have shown that people with celiac disease have higher levels of certain inflammatory markers in their blood compared to those without the disease.

Another possible explanation could be nutrient deficiencies. People with celiac disease have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients from their diet, including vitamins B12 and D, and minerals like iron and calcium.

These nutrients are important for maintaining heart health, and their deficiency may increase the risk of heart attacks.

Moreover, people with celiac disease may tend to have a less healthy diet. Gluten-free products are often higher in sugar and fat than regular products, and people with celiac disease may rely more on processed foods and snacks.

This unhealthy diet may contribute to the increased risk of heart disease.

What Can Be Done?

If you have celiac disease, it is important to manage your condition carefully to reduce your risk of heart attacks.

The first step is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. This involves avoiding all foods that contain wheat, barley and rye, as well as any foods that may be contaminated with gluten.

You may also need to avoid oats, as they may be contaminated with wheat during processing. A registered dietitian can help you plan a balanced and healthy diet that meets your nutritional needs.

You may also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to make up for any deficiencies. Your doctor can check your blood levels of these nutrients and recommend supplements as needed.

Finally, it is important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce your risk of heart disease. This includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and reducing stress.

Conclusion

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Recent research has found that people with this condition are at an increased risk of heart attacks, particularly in the year after diagnosis.

The exact reason for this association is still unclear, but inflammation and nutrient deficiencies may play a role. If you have celiac disease, it is important to manage your condition carefully to reduce your risk of heart disease. This involves following a gluten-free diet, taking supplements as needed, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.