RSV Infection: Heart Attack & Stroke Risk, Vaccination Protection

RSV Infection Linked to Increased Heart Attack and stroke Risk, Study Finds

The benefits of vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may go far beyond protection against a serious respiratory illness.

A large new study involving more than 17,000 adults found that those who had a bout of RSV also faced a significantly greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular complications than adults who didn’t get an RSV infection – especially within the first 30 days after getting sick.

“The results suggest that RSV vaccination might help prevent cardiovascular events,” says the lead study author, Anders Hviid, a professor and the head of the epidemiology research department at Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The link between RSV and serious heart problems was strongest for peopel hospitalized with RSV, adults 85 and older, and those with preexisting heart disease. “If you are elderly or have preexisting conditions that make you vulnerable to infections, you should really consider getting an RSV shot,” Hviid says.

What Is RSV and How Does It Harm the Heart?

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common germ that can infect the nose, throat, lungs, and airways. For most healthy children and adults, RSV infection causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But RSV can be serious and even life-threatening to infants, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems or preexisting lung or heart disease.

The new research aligns with growing evidence connecting RSV infection to cardiovascular problems.

“We know that RSV is a respiratory virus that promotes inflammation in many organs other than the lungs,” says Juanita Mora, MD, a medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association and the CEO of Chicago Allergy Center.

“Just like COVID-19, now we are finding out that RSV infection can put people at risk for cardiovascular events as well, such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and strokes, along with thromboembolism,” or blood clots, says Dr. Mora, who was not involved in the study.

Study Looked at Adults 45 and Older

To get a better grasp on whether RSV might heighten heart risks, Hviid and his team turned to Danish

RSV Vaccine recommended to Protect Against Potential Cardiovascular Risks, Study Finds

recent research suggests a link between respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection and an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, adding another compelling reason for adults to get vaccinated. While the study doesn’t prove causation, experts say the findings strengthen the recommendation for RSV vaccination to protect against both short-term and long-term health complications. Three RSV vaccines are currently available for adults: Arexvy from GSK, Abrysvo from Pfizer, and mResvia from Moderna.

Study Details and Findings

The observational study, conducted in Denmark, analyzed existing health data to identify a potential association between RSV infection and cardiovascular problems. Researchers found a correlation between RSV and an elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.

It’s crucial to note the study’s limitations. As the study authors acknowledge, observational studies can only demonstrate a link, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Moreover, the study population was limited to individuals in Denmark, meaning the results may not be universally applicable.https://www.medscape.com/news/2024/05/08/rsv-linked-to-increased-cardiovascular-risk-study-finds

“This only strengthens our recommendation for RSV vaccination in adults to protect them from short term and long-term complications,” says Dr. Mora, as quoted in medscape.

Available RSV Vaccines

For the 2024-2025 season, three RSV vaccines have been approved for use in adults aged 60 years and older:

* Arexvy (GSK): https://www.gsk.com/en-us/newsroom/press-releases/gsk-receives-fda-approval-of-arexvy-rsv-vaccine-for-older-adults/

* Abrysvo (Pfizer): https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-abrysvo-receives-fda-approval-first-rsv-vaccine

* mResvia (Moderna): https://www.modernatx.com/news/press-releases/moderna-announces-fda-approval-of-mspresvia-modernas-first-respiratory-virus-vaccine-for-adults-aged-60-years-and-above

why RSV Vaccination is Important

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be severe in older adults and young children. RSV can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis, and now, potentially, an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Vaccination helps protect against severe illness and complications.

Future Research

Researchers, including Dr. Hviid, hope to confirm these findings through randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up. These trials will provide more definitive evidence regarding the link between RSV infection and cardiovascular health.

Key Takeaways

* A recent study suggests a link between RSV infection and increased cardiovascular risk.
* three RSV vaccines are available for adults 60 years and older: Arexvy, Abrysvo, and mResvia.
* Experts recommend RSV vaccination to protect against both short-term and long-term complications.
* Further research is needed to confirm the link between RSV and cardiovascular events.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting RSV vaccination as a crucial step in protecting the health of older adults. As more data becomes available, public health recommendations may evolve, but for now, vaccination remains the best defense against RSV and its potential complications.