Common viruses linked to heart attacks

Study reveals common respiratory viruses increase risk of cardiovascular diseases, and act as triggers for strokes

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Common viral respiratory infections such as COVID-19, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are linked to an increased short-term risk of stroke and heart attack in adults, new University of Melbourne research has found.

Drawing on the best available evidence from 48 studies, researchers from the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Research Children's Institute (MCRI) led a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review to investigate common respiratory viruses and their role in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.