Viruses Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk

A recent study indicates that certain viral infections may increase the likelihood of heart disease.

According to the findings from an independent study, individuals who are infected with the coronavirus or influenza face a significantly heightened risk—up to three to five times greater—of having a heart attack or a stroke in the weeks after their infection.

The study reviewed 155 scientific analyses and was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

“While it’s well established that viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B can trigger cancer, the connection between viral infections and other chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease hasn’t been thoroughly explored,” noted Kosuke Kawai, the study’s lead author and an adjunct professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.

“Our findings indicate that acute and chronic viral infections contribute to both short-term and long-term cardiovascular risks, such as strokes and heart attacks.”

The research revealed that flu patients are four times more likely to suffer a heart attack and five times more likely to experience a stroke within a month of testing positive. In those with coronavirus, the chances of a heart attack or stroke are three times higher within 14 weeks, and the risk can persist for almost a year.

Inflammation’s Role

When the body combats a virus, it releases chemicals that induce inflammation and increase blood clotting tendencies. This inflammation can continue even after recovery from the illness. Such ongoing inflammation may put additional stress on the heart and lead to plaque formation in the arteries, which might clarify why some people face elevated risks for heart attacks or strokes shortly after infection.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist, stated, “These findings suggest that low-grade inflammation plays a role in promoting clotting and damaging arterial linings.” He noted that while the link between inflammation and heart issues has been recognized, this study underscores the profound effects common viruses can have, which may not have been fully understood before.

Experts highlighted that a known inflammation marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), is associated with increased heart event risks. Inflammation can harm arteries in various ways, including inflicting micro-tears that allow “bad cholesterol” (LDL) to penetrate and form plaques. Further inflammation can destabilize these plaques, potentially triggering heart attacks or strokes.

Long-Term Infection Risks

Some chronic viral infections, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and the varicella-zoster virus (which causes shingles), have been linked to long-term cardiovascular risks. For instance, individuals with HIV have a 60% higher risk of heart attacks and a 45% higher risk of strokes. Those with hepatitis C face a 27% increase for heart attacks and a 23% increase for strokes, while shingles raises heart attack risk by 12% and stroke risk by 18%.

Professor Kawai pointed out that while the elevated risks associated with HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles are significant, they are lower than the risks following an influenza or COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, these long-term risks should not be overlooked, especially as ailments like shingles can affect roughly one in three people over their lifetimes, which could lead to substantial increases in cardiovascular disease.

Reducing Risk

The researchers advocate for vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, and shingles, citing evidence that vaccination may mitigate risks. Kawai emphasized the importance of preventive measures against viral infections, particularly for those already facing cardiovascular challenges.

While the study has its limitations, such as being observational rather than a randomized controlled trial, it provides valuable insights into how viral infections influence heart health. Questions remain about the effects of multiple concurrent infections and how that might change the results.

The researchers recommend that individuals with cardiovascular disease consult their doctors concerning vaccination options.