Late-Stage Syphilis Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk and Mortality: JAMA
A retrospective study published in JAMA Network Open found that U.S. adults with late-stage Syphilis have a significantly higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack, as well as increased mortality, compared to those without the infection. The study was conducted by Eli T. and colleagues.
Key findings:
- Patients with syphilis had more than twice the likelihood, as reflected by the HR, at 2.08 (95% CI, 1.47-2.94; P = 0.001).
- Ischemic strokes were noted to be significantly more likely among these patients (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.27-1.84), whereas hemorrhagic strokes were nearly two times more common (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.23-2.99).
- The risk of heart attack among syphilis patients was observed to be 33% greater (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.67).
- Infection was associated with a 28% increased risk of PAD (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01-1.62).
In summary, this study has shown that syphilis continues to be a strong determinant of heart disease and death in today’s world. It has been proved that syphilis infections were significantly linked with the development of different cardiovascular conditions, irrespective of other demographic variables or co-morbid conditions. This study highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis infections to avoid such problems.
Reference:
Tsakiris E, Feng H, Bidaoui G, et al. Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Syphilis. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(4):e266771. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.6771
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