Data from 155 studies conducted over decades on the relationship between viral infection and cardiovascular disease showed that the increased risk is not limited to the period immediately following infection, but may persist for many years.
Researchers in the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that some types of viral infections pose a greater risk than others.
People with influenza were found to be four times more likely to have a heart attack and five times more likely to have a stroke in the month following infection, compared to healthy people.
Also, COVID-19 patients were three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to uninfected people during the 14 weeks after infection, with the increased risk persisting for up to a full year.
Data showed that the risk of new heart disease resulting from blocked coronary arteries increases by 60% after HIV infection, by 27% after hepatitis C infection, and by 12% after herpes zoster infection.
Also, the risk of stroke increased by 45% with HIV infection, 23% with hepatitis C infection, and 18% after herpes zoster infection.
The cardiovascular risks associated with herpes remained elevated for up to 10 years.
The study leader from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Dr. Kosuke Kawai, said in a statement:
* “Herpes zoster affects about 1 in 3 people.”
* “Therefore, the elevated risk associated with this virus translates into more cases of cardiovascular disease.”
The researchers pointed out that viruses impede the normal function of blood vessels, cause inflammation, and increase blood clotting, factors that increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Kawai stated, “Preventive measures against viral infection, including vaccination, may play an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
He added, “Prevention is particularly important for adults who already have cardiovascular disease or who have risk factors for it.”
(Reuters)
