Abstract Only
Systematic Review
Can viral infections increase your risk of heart disease and stroke?
Original title: Viral Infections and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Kosuke Kawai, Cresencia Felician Muhere, Elkin Lemos +1 moreJournal of the American Heart Association2025-10-29DOI
Studies Included
155 studies analyzed
Study Type
Systematic Review
Duration
For influenza, cardiovascular risk assessed during first 1 month after infection
Overview
In Plain Language
Multiple viral infections including influenza, COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster were linked to higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Systematic review155 studies analyzed
The Numbers
Absolute risk: not reported
Relative risk (Risk ratios (RR)):
- HIV and CHD: RR 1.60
- HIV and stroke: RR 1.45
- SARS-CoV-2 and CHD: RR 1.74
- SARS-CoV-2 and stroke: RR 1.69
- +6 more effect sizes in the Findings section
Evidence is limited for some viral infections: hepatitis A virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, respiratory syncytial virus, human papillomavirus, dengue, and chikungunya. Insufficient evidence for cytomegalovirus.