Straining to use the bathroom, having a bowel movement less than three times a week, abdominal cramps. Most people know these symptoms as signs of constipation and have experienced it at one time or another. However, according to health care data in the U.K., only about 20% of people discuss constipation with their doctor.

It may serve you well to let go of the taboo and talk about your bathroom habits. Of course it’s important to have a healthy digestive system, but it might help reduce your risk of even more serious medical matters too. A recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology reveals a link between constipation and “major adverse cardiac events.” This technical phrase refers to your heart health and can include conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

The study looked at medical information from more than 400,000 people in the U.K. over four years. More than 157,400 of the people studied had high blood pressure—a risk factor for heart disease—and 8.6% of them also dealt with constipation. A significantly larger percentage of people with constipation also had a history of having a cardiac event—such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure—than those without constipation.

The researchers found genetic and heritable links between constipation and heart health too. This means if you have one condition, you’re more likely to also have the other one and you may pass down both tendencies to your children.

There are many causes of constipation, including medications you may take, not drinking enough water or eating enough fiber and not getting enough exercise. Try to bulk up your diet with fiber, especially if you eat a lot of salt or are concerned about your cholesterol levels. Get moving with an activity you enjoy and see if the exercise will regulate your system.

If these lifestyle changes don’t prevent or treat your constipation, talk to your doctor to keep your gut and your heart in tip top shape.