A major systematic review and meta-analysis has confirmed what doctors have long suspected — viral infections can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from 155 global studies exploring how viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster impact heart health.
“While viruses like HPV and hepatitis B are known to cause cancer, the connection between viral infections and heart disease has been less clear,” said Dr. Kosuke Kawai, lead investigator and adjunct associate professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.
“Our findings show both acute and chronic viral infections increase short- and long-term cardiovascular risks, including heart attack and stroke.”
Which Viruses Pose the Greatest Risk?
Researchers found that certain viral infections pose dramatically higher risks than others:
- HIV: Chronic HIV infection increased the risk of heart disease by 60% and stroke by 45%.
- COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): Those infected faced a 74% higher risk of heart disease and 69% higher risk of stroke. In the first 14 weeks post-infection, the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke was 3 to 3.5 times higher.
- Influenza (Flu): Some studies showed a fourfold increase in heart attack and stroke risk during the first month after infection.
- Hepatitis C: Associated with a 27% higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 23% higher stroke risk.
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Linked to a 12–18% higher risk of heart disease and stroke — risks that persisted up to 10 years after infection.
These findings underline how both acute infections (like COVID-19 or flu) and chronic viral conditions (like HIV or hepatitis C) can trigger long-term cardiovascular damage.
Why Do Viruses Affect the Heart?
Experts believe viral infections cause systemic inflammation, damaging blood vessels and accelerating plaque buildup in arteries. They can also affect heart muscle directly, leading to myocarditis or heart failure.
Dr. Kawai emphasized that the evidence supports preventive healthcare — including vaccination, early diagnosis, and long-term heart monitoring for patients with past viral infections.
Prevention Through Vaccines and Awareness
The study concludes that preventing viral infections may indirectly protect heart health. Vaccines against viruses like COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis B, and shingles could help reduce future cardiovascular events globally.
“Preventive measures against viral infections — including vaccination — may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events,” the authors noted. “Enhanced global efforts are needed to increase vaccine uptake.”
As viral infections continue to evolve, the research calls for more integrated public health strategies that consider not just infectious disease control but also long-term heart health outcomes.