An Australian study shows an unknown connection between viral respiratory infections and acute cardiovascular risk. Researchers warn that there is an increased risk of heart attack and stroke (stroke) following viral respiratory infections.
In the season of viruses, doctors and health specialists should pay attention not only to symptoms such as cough and fever, but also to acute cardiovascular risks.
The elderly, exposed to risks
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A new Australian study provides solid evidence that common respiratory viruses, including SARS-COV-2 and influenza virus, can trigger myocardial infarction or stroke, especially among the elderly.
Based on the evidence available from 48 significant studies, researchers at the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) have led a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review to investigate the role of ordinary respiratory viruses in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke.
Common respiratory viral infections, such as those with SARS-COV-2, which cause Covid-19, syncytial respiratory (VRS) and influenza, have been associated with an increased short-term risk of stroke and myocardial infarction, according to analysis results.
The intensity of the association depends on the virus involved
“There is more and more evidence that these viruses can act as triggering factors for heart attack and stroke, but so far the accent has been placed on the flu. This study offers a clearer image on the role of other respiratory viruses. We have exclusively analyzed respiratory infections confirmed by laboratory methods and I have identified an association between these common viruses and the appearance of this cardiovascular events. The type of virus involved, “said Nguyen, a doctoral student in the Research Group at the Murdoch Institute (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) and the Pediatric Department of the University of Melbourne, quoted in a statement.
The infarction and stroke remain the main causes of premature death globally.
The study, recently published in the Research Cardiovascular Magazine, has significant implications for high -risk groups, especially in the cold season.
“Although it is true that heart attack and stroke are adult diseases, respiratory infections especially affect young children, who can transmit them to adults in the community. Elderly adults are more vulnerable to serious events such as a heart attack or stroke that can be caused by these infections, which is why studying this relationship helps us to understand the risks, and we can understand it. Diseases can be prevented by vaccination, ”Nguyen explained.
Important results for the health of the elderly population
The results of the research are especially important in terms of the elderly population and for the more precise information of public health strategies, say the authors.
“This research gives us more information about the reasons why it is important for the elderly to prevent respiratory infections, as far as possible, given the potential risk factors. Although this study brings together the latest information, we do not have enough data for the Australian population, so future research will try to cover this goal,” Jim Buttery, coordinator of the MCRI research group and professor at the University of Melbourne.
The researchers continue the research
In collaboration with researchers of Western Australia and Queensland universities, the team continues to investigate and map the distribution of frequent respiratory infections in the Australian population, using a data integration and analysis platform.
It was launched in 2019, having as main purpose a deeper understanding of how the fluctuations of viral levels influence the health of the population.
