New Study Reveals Deadly Consequences of Post-Infection Heart Disease Risk
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that individuals who have contracted COVID-19 or the flu are significantly more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke. In fact, those who haven't received vaccinations for either virus may be motivated by the alarming results.
According to the study, people who contract COVID-19 are three times more likely to suffer a heart attack within 14 weeks of diagnosis, with their risk remaining elevated for up to a year. Meanwhile, individuals who have had the flu were four times more likely to experience a heart attack in the month following infection and five times more likely to suffer a stroke.
The study's lead author, Kosuke Kawai, notes that preventive measures such as vaccination may play a crucial role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. "Prevention is especially important for adults who already have cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors," Kawai emphasizes.
Beyond COVID-19 and flu infections, researchers discovered a 60% higher risk of heart attack and 45% increased risk of stroke among those with HIV, as well as a 27% higher risk of heart attack and 23% increased risk of stroke in individuals with hepatitis C. Even those who have had shingles are at a greater risk of cardiovascular events.
The study's findings suggest that viral infections can lead to inflammation and blood clotting, both of which can impact proper heart function. This may explain the increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events following infection with various viruses.
Experts are calling attention to the importance of taking preventative measures against viral infections, particularly for those who already have underlying cardiovascular conditions. As Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly noted in an interview, "Infections are not benign. They can have downstream ramifications in multiple organ systems, specifically in the cardiovascular space."
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that individuals who have contracted COVID-19 or the flu are significantly more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke. In fact, those who haven't received vaccinations for either virus may be motivated by the alarming results.
According to the study, people who contract COVID-19 are three times more likely to suffer a heart attack within 14 weeks of diagnosis, with their risk remaining elevated for up to a year. Meanwhile, individuals who have had the flu were four times more likely to experience a heart attack in the month following infection and five times more likely to suffer a stroke.
The study's lead author, Kosuke Kawai, notes that preventive measures such as vaccination may play a crucial role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. "Prevention is especially important for adults who already have cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors," Kawai emphasizes.
Beyond COVID-19 and flu infections, researchers discovered a 60% higher risk of heart attack and 45% increased risk of stroke among those with HIV, as well as a 27% higher risk of heart attack and 23% increased risk of stroke in individuals with hepatitis C. Even those who have had shingles are at a greater risk of cardiovascular events.
The study's findings suggest that viral infections can lead to inflammation and blood clotting, both of which can impact proper heart function. This may explain the increased risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events following infection with various viruses.
Experts are calling attention to the importance of taking preventative measures against viral infections, particularly for those who already have underlying cardiovascular conditions. As Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly noted in an interview, "Infections are not benign. They can have downstream ramifications in multiple organ systems, specifically in the cardiovascular space."
It's crazy to think that having a cold or flu could put you at triple the risk of heart attack 
! And it gets even scarier when you hear that some people with HIV or hepatitis C are already 60% more likely to have a heart attack 
. Vaccination is literally a lifesaver here, guys 
. We need to take care of ourselves and get vaccinated ASAP to avoid these deadly consequences 
. I mean, what's the point of having a strong immune system if we just gonna let viruses win? 
Let's stay safe out there! 
anyway, I guess prevention is the key here... vaccinations can save lives 
? Like, yay, more shots! 
...
... it's crazy to think that their bodies were already stressed from the infection.
Maybe we should be more proactive about taking care of our hearts instead of just trying to treat the symptoms? 
. And yeah, it makes sense that viral infections can cause inflammation & blood clotting which can affect the heart 
. Anyone else worried about this? 
. experts are saying we need to be more careful about getting infected in the first place, 'cause once u have one virus, it can affect ur heart forever 
. I'm not surprised though, all those viral infections do cause inflammation and blood clotting, which can impact our hearts 
. i think its super important to get vaccinated especially if you already have some underlying health conditions 
. seems like we gotta be extra careful about our health when it comes to viruses 
I'm literally stressing just thinking about this! So basically, having COVID-19 or the flu is like triple-locking your heart into going haywire 
Anyways, vaccine up, everyone! This is not something to mess around with 
. Now I make sure to get vaccinated every year 
. Three times more likely to have a heart attack after getting COVID? That's like winning the lottery... of heart problems 
. And what's with all these viral infections putting you at risk of stroke? It's like being in a bad movie where everyone gets a headshot 
.
I'm getting really worried about these new study results... so it looks like even after recovering from COVID or flu, you're still at risk of a heart attack or stroke? That's crazy! 
Maybe this is just a wake-up call for us all to be more proactive about our health.