Global review links common viral infections to higher heart attack, stroke risk - Video

Scientists have confirmed that several common viral infections significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease and stroke.

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association synthesized data from 155 studies, demonstrating that viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles are linked to both short- and long-term elevated cardiovascular risks.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, traditionally attributed to factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet. However, this study highlights viral infections as important, often overlooked triggers, which induce systemic inflammation, causing endothelial damage and increased blood clotting. These mechanisms can rupture atherosclerotic plaques, precipitating heart attacks and strokes.

Researchers conducted extensive literature searches across five scientific databases, including MEDLINE and Web of Science, identifying over 52,000 records published up to July 2024. Screening and quality assessment resulted in 155 relevant studies, which comprised cohort, case-control, and self-controlled case series (SCCS) designs. Data were pooled to calculate long-term risk ratios (RR) and acute incidence rate ratios (IRR) for cardiovascular outcomes following viral infections, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle confounders.

Laboratory-confirmed influenza raised acute myocardial infarction risk fourfold and stroke risk fivefold within the first month of infection, peaking in the first week. COVID-19 was associated with a 74% higher long-term risk of coronary heart disease and 69% increased stroke risk; SCCS studies showed a 3.35-fold elevated risk of heart attack within 14 weeks. Chronic infections like HIV carried a 60% higher coronary heart disease risk and 89% increased heart failure risk. Hepatitis C and shingles also contributed to elevated cardiovascular complications, with stroke risk spiking shortly after shingles infection. Some viruses required further study due to limited evidence, while cytomegalovirus associations remained inconclusive.

Lead author Dr. Kosuke Kawai emphasized vaccination as a crucial preventive measure, noting influenza vaccines can reduce cardiovascular risk by one-third. This work urges integrating infection prevention into cardiovascular health strategies worldwide.

REFERENCE: Source: Kawai, K., Muhere, C. F., Lemos, E. V., & Francis, J. M. (2025). Viral Infections and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis. Journal of the American Heart Association. DOI – 10.1161/jaha.125.042670