Overview
- A large review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, drawing on about 155 studies, consolidates evidence that viral infections substantially raise cardiovascular risk.
- After influenza, the risk of heart attack rises about fourfold and stroke about fivefold within the first month.
- Following COVID-19, the risk of heart attack or stroke roughly triples in the initial weeks and can stay elevated for up to a year.
- Researchers cite systemic inflammation, endothelial injury, and prothrombotic changes as plausible pathways that trigger acute cardiovascular events.
- Older adults and people with hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, or prior heart disease face the greatest absolute risk, reinforcing guidance to vaccinate and closely manage risk factors.