Scientists found that influenza and Covid-19 infections could raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes
Contracting the flu, Covid-19, or a similar viral illness could significantly increase your risk of serious heart problems, according to major new research. A review of 155 academic papers revealed that influenza and Covid-19 infections could raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes by three to fivefold in the weeks following infection.
Longer-lasting viruses, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and varicella zoster virus, may also increase the long-term risks of cardiovascular events. Published by the American Heart Association, the analysis emphasises vaccination as an important tool to reducing these dangers, especially among people with risk factors of cardiovascular disease.
In light of its results, lead author Associate Professor Kosuke Kawai, of the University of California, said: “It is well recognised 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.”
The professor added: “Our study found acute and chronic viral infections are linked to both short- and long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, including strokes and heart attacks.”
As part of their research, scientists reviewed all published studies examining the connections between viral infections and the risk of strokes or heart attacks, reports the Mirror.
Out of an initial 52,000 studies screened, only 155 were selected for combined analysis due to their appropriate design and high quality. The findings revealed that the likelihood of suffering a heart attack was four times greater, whilst the risk of stroke was five times higher, in the month following laboratory-confirmed influenza.
Meanwhile, in the case of Covid-19, people were three times more likely to have a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke within the 14 weeks after infection. This increased risk lasted for a year.
The research also found that people with HIV generally faced a 60 per cent higher risk of heart attacks and a 45 per cent increased risk of strokes over an average of more than five years. Elevated risks were similarly observed amongst people who had experienced hepatitis C and shingles.
Dr Kawai continued: “The elevated risks for cardiovascular disease risks are lower for HIV, hepatitis C and herpes zoster than the heightened short-term risk following influenza and COVID. However, the risks associated with those three viruses are still clinically relevant, especially because they persist for a long period of time. Moreover, shingles affects about one in three people in their lifetime.”
The professor added: “Therefore, the elevated risk associated with that virus translates into a large number of excess cases of cardiovascular disease at the population level.”
Despite their findings, the research team highlighted several limitations of their study, including its observational nature rather than being based on controlled trials. However, they still believe vaccinations could play a crucial role in reducing cardiovascular risks.
Flu jabs are designed to protect against influenza, which can be deadly for certain individuals. The NHS offers these vaccines to those at increased risk of serious health complications each autumn or early winter.
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