We’ve all been there — the fever, the pounding head, that heavy feeling that makes you want to crawl back under the covers.
When a virus hits, all we think about is getting better. But new evidence suggests our bodies may remember more than we realize — sometimes, in ways that reach the heart itself.
What the research shows
A large systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association analyzed 155 studies examining the link between viral infections and cardiovascular disease.
According to the authors, infections such as influenza, COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles were consistently associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
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The researchers found that some viruses trigger an acute spike in cardiovascular events soon after infection, while others set off low-level inflammation that may weaken blood vessels over time.
Even mild infections, they note, can start harmful processes long before obvious heart symptoms appear.
How viruses strain the heart
When the immune system fights an infection, it releases inflammatory signals that can damage blood vessels and make blood more prone to clotting.
In people with underlying atherosclerosis, this can increase the chance of a plaque rupture — potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
The study’s authors caution that while these associations are strong, they don’t prove direct causation. Other factors such as genetics, co-infections, or lifestyle may also play a role.
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Prevention through vaccination
The review highlights vaccination as a promising line of defense.
Evidence from clinical trials shows that influenza vaccination can lower the risk of cardiovascular events by about one-third.
Vaccines against shingles may also offer protective benefits, though current evidence remains indirect.
Public health experts say these findings add to growing proof that protecting against viral infections could also protect the heart — a reminder that prevention goes beyond diet and exercise.
The takeaway
Heart disease isn’t just about lifestyle or genetics. This new research suggests that the lingering effects of common infections can quietly shape cardiovascular health, reinforcing the close connection between the immune system and the heart.
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Article is based on information from Journal of the American Heart Association
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