Viral infections linked to higher risk of heart attacks and strokes
In Kenya, cardiovascular disease is an increasingly significant cause of illness and death. Recent data show that about 25 per cent of hospital admissions are related to heart and blood vessel diseases.
Viral infections, including COVID-19, influenza, HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles, have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, which reviewed 155 studies spanning several decades, found that viral infections can elevate heart disease risk both immediately after infection and over the long term.
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These infections can affect nearly any part of the body, including the respiratory system, heart, liver, and immune system. They range from mild illnesses like the common cold to chronic conditions such as HIV and hepatitis. While some infections resolve quickly, others persist and may lead to lasting health complications, including cardiovascular disease, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The analysis showed that influenza infections were associated with up to a sixfold increase in heart attack risk within a month of infection. COVID-19 nearly doubled the risk of heart disease or stroke compared to those not infected.
Acute infections like influenza and COVID-19 were linked to short-term cardiovascular events, while chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles were associated with sustained increases in coronary heart disease and stroke risk. Other viruses, including cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, hepatitis A, HPV, RSV, dengue and chikungunya, were also linked to cardiovascular risk, though further research is needed.
Cardiovascular complications
Viral infections affect the cardiovascular system through two main pathways, either directly or indirectly. Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV primarily act indirectly by triggering an overactive immune response, leading to inflammation, blood clotting, and stress on the heart. Some enteroviruses can directly infect heart tissue.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is caused by influenza viruses, mainly types A and B, which are responsible for seasonal outbreaks. The flu spreads easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. Most people recover within a week or two, but influenza can cause serious complications, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
These complications may include pneumonia and worsening of existing heart or lung problems, as well as increased risk of heart attack or stroke shortly after infection. Because the influenza virus changes slightly each year, annual vaccination is recommended. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection and lowers the chances of severe illness and related complications, including cardiovascular events.
Another study published in Cardiovascular Research screened over 11,000 records and selected 48 observational studies between 1978 and 2024, with 28 suitable for meta-analysis. It found that people were more than five times as likely to experience a heart attack within 28 days of lab-confirmed influenza, with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 5.37.
Stroke risk during the same period was also significantly elevated. Other respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, cytomegalovirus, RSV, and Coxsackie B, may also trigger cardiovascular events, though evidence for these is less robust.
Antiviral treatment
Preventive strategies, including vaccination and timely antiviral treatment, are key to reducing virus-related cardiovascular disease. These measures are especially important for individuals with existing cardiovascular risk factors, as viral infections increase heart risk across populations.
In Kenya, cardiovascular disease is an increasingly significant cause of illness and death. Recent data show that about 25 per cent of hospital admissions are related to heart and blood vessel diseases.
The Kenya Vital Statistics Report (2024) revealed that non-communicable diseases accounted for 61.7 per cent of all registered deaths in health facilities, up from 52.4 per cent the previous year. Of these, 6.6 per cent were directly attributed to cardiovascular conditions.
In sub-Saharan Africa, over one million people die annually from heart-related conditions, representing about 5.4 per cent of global cardiovascular deaths.
Cardiovascular diseases account for approximately 13 per cent of all deaths in the region and contribute to 38.3 per cent of deaths from non-communicable diseases. They are responsible for an estimated 22.9 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost each year.
Globally, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death. In 2022, around 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular conditions, representing 32 per cent of all deaths worldwide. Of these, 85 per cent were due to heart attacks and strokes.
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