Flu, COVID-19, and Other Viruses Linked to Significantly Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
A comprehensive analysis of over 150 studies has revealed a strong connection between common viral infections – including influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis C, and shingles – and a dramatically increased risk of major cardiovascular events in the weeks following infection, with some viruses posing a long-term threat.
The research, a systematic review published last week in the Journal of the American Heart Association, examined 155 observational studies conducted primarily in North America, Europe, and East Asia between 1997 and July 2024. Findings indicated that the flu was associated with a fourfold increased risk of heart attack and a fivefold higher risk of stroke within the first month of infection. Hepatitis C, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) were consistently linked to higher risks of coronary heart disease and stroke, while shingles showed a notable association with both conditions. This discovery underscores the often-overlooked impact of infectious diseases on cardiovascular health, a leading cause of death globally.
“It is well recognized that human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus, and other viruses can cause cancer; however, the link between viral infections and other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, is less well understood,” said lead researcher Kosuke Kawai, ScD, of UCLA. The study authors explained that viral infections trigger inflammation and can increase the risk of blood clots, processes that may continue even after the initial infection subsides. While the immediate risks are highest after influenza and COVID-19, the persistent nature of infections like HIV and hepatitis C means their associated cardiovascular risks remain clinically relevant. You can learn more about cardiovascular disease from the American Heart Association.
Researchers emphasized the importance of preventative measures, particularly vaccination, and integrated strategies for adults already at risk for cardiovascular disease. “Our study highlights the importance of integrated preventive measures, especially for adults with traditional risk factors for CVD,” the researchers concluded. “Vaccines may play an important role in preventing the risk of CVD.” Public health officials are now considering how these findings might influence vaccination campaigns and preventative care guidelines.
