Flu, COVID, and chronic viral infections significantly raise heart attack and stroke risk

A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, indicates that infections from influenza, COVID-19, and certain chronic viral conditions significantly elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The researchers reviewed 155 studies that examined both acute and long-term viral infections.

Results show that influenza raises the risk of heart attacks by four times and increases the stroke risk fivefold within one month of infection. COVID-19 is associated with a threefold increase in the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes within 14 weeks, with elevated risk continuing for up to a year. For chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles, the study suggests a 60% increase in heart attack risk and a 45% increase in stroke risk compared to uninfected individuals.

According to lead researcher Dr. Kosuke Kawai, while certain viruses are known to link to cancer, connections between viral infections and cardiovascular diseases have been less understood. The study highlights significant cardiovascular risks associated with both acute and chronic viral infections. The inflammation triggered by the immune response to infections is believed to contribute to an increased likelihood of blood clots and heart complications, particularly in older adults.

The findings underline the importance of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, especially as flu cases are predicted to rise in the upcoming months. The study is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and spans research from 1997 to 2024, underscoring the relevance of viral infections to cardiovascular health.