Study Finds Connection Between Viruses and Heart Disease Risks
Recent research indicates that certain viral infections may increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. This new study reveals that individuals who had COVID-19 or influenza were significantly more vulnerable to heart attacks or strokes—up to three to five times more likely—especially in the weeks following their infection.
The findings stem from a review of 155 scientific studies published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Lead researcher Kosuke Kawai, who is also an adjunct professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, noted that while some viruses like HPV and hepatitis are known to cause cancer, the links between viral infections and heart issues remain less understood.
This study shows that both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) infections can lead to increased risks of cardiovascular problems like strokes and heart attacks. For instance, after testing positive for influenza, people were found to be four times more likely to experience a heart attack and five times more likely to have a stroke within the first month. Similarly, the risk of heart issues tripled in the 14 weeks after contracting COVID-19, with the danger persisting for up to a year.
Understanding the Role of Inflammation
When the immune system battles a virus, it releases chemicals that can cause inflammation and make blood more likely to clot. These effects may linger, putting additional stress on the heart and contributing to plaque buildup in arteries, which increases the chance of heart attacks and strokes in the weeks that follow.
Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist, added that ongoing low-grade inflammation plays a significant role in elevating cardiovascular risks. This inflammation can weaken the artery walls, allowing harmful LDL cholesterol to accumulate and potentially leading to dangerous health events.
Chronic Infections and Long-Term Risks
The study also identified chronic infections, like HIV, hepatitis C, and the varicella zoster virus (which causes shingles), as factors connected to long-term cardiovascular risk. For example, individuals with HIV had a 60% higher risk of heart attacks and a 45% higher risk of strokes. Those with hepatitis C showed a 27% increased risk of heart attacks and a 23% increased risk of strokes. Furthermore, shingles increased heart attack risk by 12% and stroke risk by 18%.
Kawai emphasizes that while the short-term risks following influenza and COVID-19 are greater, the prolonged risks from chronic infections should not be underestimated.
Recommendations for Reducing Risks
To mitigate these risks, researchers suggest that vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, and shingles are effective preventive measures. Studies have indicated that individuals who receive flu vaccinations may have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems afterward.
Experts like Dr. Serwer concur that getting vaccinated against these viruses is critical for prevention, particularly for adults who already have heart disease or related risk factors.
While the findings are compelling, the researchers acknowledge that limitations exist in the study, such as its reliance on observational data rather than randomized trials. Future research could further explore how multiple infections might influence cardiovascular risks.
For those with existing heart conditions, consulting a healthcare provider about vaccination is advisable.
