Study Finds Adults with Heart Conditions Face Greater Risks During Anaphylaxis

New research presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting suggests that adults with pre-existing cardiovascular disease face significantly worse outcomes when hospitalized for anaphylaxis.

The study analyzed more than 115,000 hospitalizations recorded in the National Inpatient Sample between 2016 and 2022, focusing on patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Researchers found that approximately 60.9% of these patients had an underlying cardiovascular condition—highlighting how commonly heart disease overlaps with severe allergic reactions in adults.

Patients with cardiovascular disease experienced more complicated hospital courses. On average, they had significantly longer hospital stays and were more likely to develop serious complications, including acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, and myocardial infarction.

The risk of death was also notably higher. Among roughly 970 in-hospital deaths recorded in the study, patients with cardiovascular disease were nearly twice as likely to die compared to those without heart-related conditions. According to lead author Diala Merheb, the research team also examined whether complications such as respiratory failure, kidney injury, and cardiac events were associated with pre-existing cardiovascular disease—and found clear links.

A closer look revealed that not all heart conditions carry the same risk. Patients with arrhythmias showed the strongest association with mortality, underscoring the importance of understanding how specific cardiovascular diagnoses influence outcomes during anaphylaxis.

Recovery after discharge was also more challenging for these patients. Those with cardiovascular disease were more likely to require ongoing care, including placement in skilled nursing facilities or the use of home health services, suggesting a more difficult recovery trajectory.

While the study does not establish cause and effect, it highlights an important association that may influence how clinicians approach care. Greater attention to cardiovascular health—and closer monitoring during and after anaphylaxis—may help improve outcomes for this high-risk group.

The researchers emphasize that more work is needed to better understand why these risks occur and how best to manage them. As Merheb noted, anaphylaxis remains a complex condition with many potential triggers, and future research will be key to refining treatment strategies.

If you or a loved one has both food allergies and a cardiovascular condition (such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or coronary artery disease), consider discussing the following with your healthcare provider:

• Whether your emergency action plan needs adjustments
• How medications for heart conditions may interact with epinephrine
• The importance of early epinephrine use at the first sign of anaphylaxis
• When additional monitoring may be needed after a reaction

The bottom line: Anaphylaxis is always serious—but for people with heart conditions, extra vigilance may be warranted.