Viral Infections Increase CHD Risk

A systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests that influenza, SARS‐CoV‐2, HIV, hepatitis C virus, and herpes zoster are all associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events. The analysis included 155 studies, viral infections were consistently linked to higher rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. HIV infection was associated with elevated risks of CHD (pooled adjusted risk ratio [RR], 1.60) and stroke (RR, 1.45), while SARS‐CoV‐2 infection increased the risk of CHD (RR, 1.74) and stroke (RR, 1.69). Laboratory‐confirmed influenza infection markedly raised the risk of acute myocardial infarction (pooled incidence rate ratio, 4.01) and stroke (5.01) within one month. Hepatitis C virus was linked to higher risks of CHD (RR, 1.27) and stroke (RR, 1.23), while herpes zoster was associated with modestly increased risks of CHD (RR, 1.12) and stroke (RR, 1.18). Evidence for cytomegalovirus was insufficient, but limited data suggest possible associations between other viral infections—including hepatitis A, herpes simplex virus type 1, respiratory syncytial virus, human papillomavirus, dengue, and chikungunya—and cardiovascular disease. The findings highlight the potential importance of vaccines in reducing CHD risk, especially in people with high risk. Source: https://www.ahajournals.org/