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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7 Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Viral infections can elevate cardiovascular disease risks.

  • 2

    Significant pathogens include HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and hepatitis C.

  • 3

    Acute myocardial infarction risk is notably high after influenza infection.

  • 4

    The review included 155 studies with a variety of designs.

  • 5

    Cohort studies provided the most robust data.

  • 6

    No significant cardiovascular associations were found for hepatitis B virus.

  • 7

    Variations in study design may influence risk estimates.

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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