Study finds flu, COVID-19 infection temporarily raises risk of heart attack, stroke

A study published Oct. 30 by the American Heart Association found that people have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke following flu and COVID-19 infection. Researchers reviewed 155 previous studies investigating the association between viral infections and the risk of heart attack and stroke and found that people are four times more likely to have a heart attack and five times more likely to have a stroke in the month after having the flu. Following a COVID-19 infection, people are three times more likely to have a heart attack or a stroke 14 weeks after, with an elevated risk remaining for a year.

Additionally, the study found chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C and varicella zoster virus - which causes shingles - can increase long-term elevated risks of cardiovascular events. Researchers said preventive measures, including vaccination, could be important for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly for individuals who already have heart disease or heart disease risk factors.