East San Diego News

• 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. 
• Many 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. Paul Shalch Lepe of SoCal Breathe Free, sinusitis can eventually lead to serious cardiovascular issues, such as stroke.

"When it comes to sinus infections there can be severe cases, as there are complicated sinus infections that can lead to an infection. And that can eventually lead to some blood circulation problems. In rare cases, it could even culminate in strokes and other more severe complications," Dr. Shalch Lepe told the East San Diego News. "It's important to seek medical attention whenever you feel an infection is not resolving or feels like it's getting worse. So seeking care for that immediately is very important."

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.

According to SoCal Breathe Free's website, Dr. Schalch Lepe is an otolaryngologist and ENT doctor in San Diego who specializes in sinus, allergy, and sleep treatments. He completed his residency in otolaryngology at the UC Irvine Medical Center at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. He also earned his medical degree at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico School of Medicine in Mexico City.