Emerging research suggests that viral infections may significantly elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals who contracted viruses such as influenza or COVID-19 faced up to five times greater risk of experiencing cardiovascular events within weeks of infection. These findings highlight the growing concern about the potential impact of viral infections on cardiovascular health, which is a major public health issue. The research is based on a review of 155 scientific studies and indicates that both acute and chronic viral infections can lead to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as other cardiovascular complications. The study’s lead author, Kosuke Kawai, noted that while the link between viral infections and cancer is well-recognized, the connection between these infections and non-communicable diseases such as heart disease requires further exploration. He emphasized that future research should focus on understanding how various viral infections contribute to cardiovascular disease and whether preventive measures such as vaccination could help reduce these risks.
The study identified several viruses that could significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Among these is the common flu virus, which was found to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to four times in the month following infection. For those who contracted COVID-19, the risk of a heart attack or stroke was three times higher in the weeks following infection and remained elevated for up to a year. Additional findings indicated that chronic viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis C, and the virus that causes shingles (varicella-zoster) also posed long-term cardiovascular risks. For example, individuals with HIV faced a 60% higher risk of heart attacks, while those with hepatitis C had a 27% higher risk. Shingles increased heart attack risk by 12% and stroke risk by 18%. These findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and preventive measures against these common viruses, particularly in individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions or risk factors. The researchers recommend vaccination as a key strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with viral infections. Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist, agreed that preventive measures such as vaccination could play a crucial role in mitigating these risks. However, the study also acknowledged some limitations, including the observational nature of the research and the difficulty in assessing the combined effects of multiple infections on cardiovascular health.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health. While the risk associated with viruses like HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles is lower than the short-term risk from influenza and COVID-19, these viruses still contribute to a substantial number of cardiovascular disease cases due to their prevalence. The researchers suggest that further studies should focus on high-risk groups, such as transplant recipients, to better understand how these infections might affect them. In addition, the study highlights the importance of continued research into the relationship between viral infections and cardiovascular disease. For adults with existing heart conditions or risk factors, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate vaccines and preventive strategies. As the study indicates, understanding the long-term impact of viral infections on heart health could help guide more effective public health interventions and improve cardiovascular outcomes in the future.