Sept. 11, 2025—Sneezing and sniffling this fall? It could be seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever. If so, you know how frustrating these symptoms can be. What you may not know, however, is that allergies may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
That's the word from the American Heart Association (AHA). This link isn't cause for concern, according to the AHA. But it's definitely worth knowing about.
What's the connection?
A 2024 study found that people with allergies in the prior year were 25% more likely to have heart disease and 20% more likely to experience a heart attack. The risk was even higher for people who'd recently had an asthma attack. Other studies have also connected allergies and asthma to a variety of heart and blood vessel problems.
Long-term inflammation could be to blame
In an allergic reaction, the body mistakes a harmless substance (like mold or pollen) for an invader and makes immune cells to fight it off. This can lead to inflammation in the body. Inflammation can also occur with asthma. Long-term inflammation, in turn, may contribute to plaque buildup inside arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
Allergies and heart disease might also be linked in other ways. When allergies inflame the respiratory tract, it can become hard to breathe, which could strain the heart. And people who have trouble breathing because of allergies or asthma may find it difficult to exercise. As a result, they may not get enough physical activity to help keep their heart healthy.
Some allergy, asthma drugs may boost risks
Many people with allergies or asthma take medicines to treat them. But some of these medicines may also affect your heart. For example, some people with allergies take over-the-counter decongestants to treat a stuffy nose. But products that contain pseudoephedrine can boost blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. And steroids prescribed for asthma can affect blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Those are heart disease risk factors too.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about taking any of these medicines.
Check in on your heart
Having allergies or asthma doesn't guarantee you'll get heart disease. If you're concerned, mention it to your doctor. It could give you added motivation to manage your allergies or asthma effectively. With your symptoms well-controlled, you'll probably feel better, which may make it easier to exercise and improve the health of your heart.
It's also a good idea to ask your doctor about your risk of heart disease at your next checkup. Things like your blood pressure, cholesterol and a family history of heart issues can boost your risk.
Don't forget your flu shot
If you have asthma or heart disease, it's more important than ever to get a yearly flu shot. Doing so could help protect you from severe complications of the flu. Find out about other groups at high risk of flu complications.
Sources
- American Academy of Family Physicians. "Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion." https://familydoctor.org/decongestants-otc-relief-for-congestion/.
- American Heart Association. "How Are Asthma and Heart Health Linked?" https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/05/17/how-are-asthma-and-heart-health-linked.
- American Heart Association. "Why Sniffles and Sneezes Should Make You Think About Heart Health This Allergy Season." https://www.heart.org/en/news/2025/03/21/why-sniffles-and-sneezes-should-make-you-think-about-heart-health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "People at Increased Risk for Flu Complications." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.