LONDON – A recent study has revealed a concerning public health link, suggesting that common viral infections like influenza, COVID-19, and even the common cold can significantly increase the risk of a heart attack.
The research outlines four primary mechanisms behind this connection:
1. Body-wide Inflammation: When the body is fighting a viral infection, the immune system goes into overdrive. This response causes widespread inflammation, which can damage the walls of blood vessels and accelerate atherosclerosis (the process of plaque buildup in the arteries).
2. Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Some viral infections can make the blood “thicker” and more prone to clotting. This increases the likelihood of a blood clot forming, which can block an artery supplying the heart and trigger a heart attack.
3. Lack of Oxygen: Many viruses cause respiratory illnesses that reduce the level of oxygen in the body. The heart must then work harder to pump oxygenated blood. For individuals with pre-existing heart disease, this added strain dramatically increases their risk.
4. Direct Attack on the Heart Muscle: In some cases, certain viruses can directly attack the heart muscle itself, a condition known as myocarditis. This can impair the heart’s function and lead to severe cardiac events, including heart attack-like symptoms.
