From the Journals

Viral Infections Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk 

Systematic review identifies influenza, COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster as significant cardiac risk factors in analysis of 155 studies.

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A systematic review led by Dr. Kosuke Kawai from UCLA scrutinizes the cardiovascular risks associated with various viral infections. Analyzing 155 studies, it found significant correlations between diseases like HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and hepatitis C with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke risk. Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a risk ratio of 3.35 for myocardial infarction within 14 weeks. The findings highlight the urgent need for awareness and management strategies that address these viral infections to mitigate cardiovascular complications.

Original Source(s)

Viral Infections Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk 

Systematic review identifies influenza, COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster as significant cardiac risk factors in analysis of 155 studies.

  • by Kerri Miller

  • October 30, 2025

  • 3 min

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