Study Finds Viral Infections Increase Risk of Heart Attack/Stroke

A new study has found people have an increased risk of major cardiovascular events following viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, HIV, hepatitis C and varicella zoster virus. 

In the meta-analysis, the researchers reviewed 155 studies and found HIV infection was consistently associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular heart disease (CHD) (pooled adjusted risk ratio [RR], 1.60 [95% CI, 1.38–1.85]) and stroke (RR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.26–1.67]), and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was associated with an increased risk of CHD (RR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.44–2.11]) and stroke (RR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.23–2.31]). In self‐controlled case series studies, laboratory‐confirmed influenza infection was associated with an elevated risk of acute myocardial infarction (pooled incidence rate ratio, 4.01 [95% CI, 2.66–6.05]) and stroke during the first one month (incidence rate ratio, 5.01 [95% CI, 3.41–7.37]). In cohort studies, hepatitis C virus infection was associated with a higher risk of CHD (RR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.13–1.42]) and stroke (RR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.04–1.46]). Herpes zoster was also associated with an elevated risk of CHD (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08–1.15]) and stroke (RR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.09–1.27]). 

According to the researchers, there is insufficient evidence to determine the effect of cytomegalovirus on cardiovascular disease. However, on a limited basis, hepatitis A virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, respiratory syncytial virus, human papillomavirus, dengue and chikungunya have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. As such, preventive measures, including vaccination, could be important for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly for individuals who already have heart disease or heart disease risk factors.