WASHINGTON – A major new study has revealed that viral infections such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are not just temporary illnesses; they can dramatically increase the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
The research, published in a journal of the American Heart Association, presents alarming statistics. According to the study, individuals who contract the flu face a four-fold (4x) increased risk of a heart attack and a five-fold (5x) increased risk of a stroke within one month of infection.
Similarly, a COVID-19 infection triples (3x) the chances of heart disease and stroke. This elevated risk remains high for 14 weeks and, in some cases, the effects can persist for up to a year.
The study also linked other chronic viral diseases to cardiovascular and brain health risks:
- HIV: Increases heart attack risk by 60% and stroke risk by 45%.
- Hepatitis C: Increases heart disease risk by 27% and stroke risk by 23%.
- Shingles: (A viral infection causing a painful rash) increases heart attack risk by 12% and stroke risk by 18%.
Dr. Kosuke Kawai, an associate professor at UCLA, noted that since shingles affects one in every three people, the associated risk to heart health is a significant public health concern.
The research strongly emphasized the importance of vaccination as a key defense. A 2022 study found that people who received the flu vaccine had a 34% lower risk of heart disease. “Preventive measures, especially vaccination, can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Professor Kawai concluded.
