# Association between Dysgeusia and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study With Propensity Score-Matched Analyses

## TL;DR

This study finds that dysgeusia, or taste disturbance, is linked to a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for many health factors.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence that dysgeusia is an independent risk indicator for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

## Key findings

- Dysgeusia was associated with 88% higher odds of ASCVD after propensity score matching.
- The association remained significant after adjusting for multiple health and lifestyle factors.
- Dysgeusia may serve as a novel clinical indicator for ASCVD.

## Abstract

Dysgeusia impairs quality of life and nutrition, and may be linked to cardiovascular disease risk, but its direct association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate the independent association between dysgeusia and ASCVD.

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using a nationally representative population sample. The association between dysgeusia and ASCVD was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet quality, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, periodontitis, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to further control for confounding and to validate the findings.

In the unadjusted model, dysgeusia was significantly associated with higher odds of ASCVD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–2.55; P < 0.01). After full adjustment, the association remained significant (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.01–2.13; P = 0.05). PSM analysis further confirmed this relationship, showing that individuals with dysgeusia had 87% greater odds of ASCVD compared to matched controls (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.08–3.23; P = 0.03).

Dysgeusia is independently associated with increased odds of ASCVD, even after comprehensive adjustment and PSM. Dysgeusia may serve as a novel and clinically relevant potential indicator for ASCVD, warranting further investigation in prospective studies.