Covid-19 is no longer seen only as a lung infection. It can affect many parts of the body including the heart. New research has found that viral infections like COVID-19 and flu can rapidly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke soon after recovery. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, people are four times more likely to have a heart attack and five times more likely to have a stroke within a few weeks of infection. This happens because viruses cause inflammation in the body, which can damage blood vessels and put pressure on the heart. Even chronic infections like HIV or hepatitis C can increase long-term cardiovascular risk, showing how closely viral infections and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are linked.
What the study found
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, led by Dr. Kosuke Kawai, reviewed more than 52,000 studies and identified 155 high-quality studies examining the association between viral infections and heart disease. Their meta-analysis showed that:
- After a confirmed case of influenza, people were 4 times more likely to have a heart attack and 5 times more likely to have a stroke within a month.
- After COVID-19, the risk of heart attack and stroke was 3 times higher within 14 weeks, and the risk remained elevated for up to a year.
Chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C and herpes were also associated with increased long-term cardiovascular risks:
- HIV infection increased the risk of heart attack by 60% and the risk of stroke by 45%.
- Hepatitis C increased the risk of heart attack by 27% and stroke by 23%.
- Shingles increased the chance of heart attack by 12% and stroke by 18%.
These numbers show that viral infections, whether acute or chronic, can have serious and lasting effects on heart health.
Why do viral infections increase heart risk?
When your body fights an infection, it activates the immune system, releasing molecules that trigger inflammation and clotting. This is a normal defense response, but if prolonged it can damage your cardiovascular system.
Inflammation contributes to plaque formation and rupture inside the arteries, which is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, blood clots reduce blood flow, putting extra strain on the heart. Even after the virus is cured, this inflammatory response can persist for a long time, putting the cardiovascular system under stress for months.
Dr. Kawai says that although it is well known that viruses such as HPV and hepatitis B can cause cancer, their role in non-communicable diseases such as heart disease is only now being understood. “Our study found that acute and chronic viral infections are associated with both short- and long-term risks of heart disease,” he said.
Role of vaccination in reducing cardiovascular complications
Yes, prevention works. The study found that vaccination against viral infections can significantly reduce heart-related risks. A 2022 review cited in the study showed that people who received flu vaccines had a 34% lower risk of major cardiovascular events.
COVID-19 and shingles vaccines may provide similar protective effects by reducing both infection rates and inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends people, especially those with existing heart disease or risk factors, talk to their healthcare providers about appropriate vaccinations to protect against viruses such as influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and shingles.
How to avoid heart attack after Covid-19?
Here are some simple tips shared by Dr. Prateek Choudhary, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Asian Hospital, to reduce your post-Covid heart risk:
- Follow a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and be physically active.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to protect your arteries and heart.
- Properly manage existing health problems like diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Stay updated on vaccination and follow COVID-19 prevention measures.
- Get regular health checkups to monitor heart function.
- Reduce stress with mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to support overall heart health.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
