The serious threats that stick around after the virus is long gone

Viral season is officially in high gear, and I should know…

My family and I are just now recovering from a bout of COVID, while my neighbors battled the flu.

Now that our sore throats, drainage and coughs are waning, it’s easy to believe that the worst is over.

However, according to the American Heart Association, even though the symptoms of a viral infection may be long gone, you can face a significant risk of stroke or heart attack for weeks, even months.

Here’s why, and how long, they say these elevated risks stick around…

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Viruses and the dangers they leave behind

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association delved into the results of 155 scientific studies to nail down the connection between influenza, COVID and the elevated risk of heart attack or stroke.

They discovered that viral dangers to the heart persist far longer than anyone would have guessed. The research revealed that:

• For a full month after the flu, people are four times more likely to have a heart attack and five times more likely to suffer a stroke.
• COVID dangers extend even longer, with a three times increased risk of heart attack or stroke in the 14 weeks following infection.
• The risk of both heart attack and stroke remains high for a full year after COVID infection.

What’s the reason behind the elevated danger?

The immune system’s natural response to viral infections includes the release of molecules that trigger and sustain inflammation and promote the tendency of blood to clot.

Inflammation and blood clotting interfere with the proper functioning of the heart and circulatory system, which explains the increased heart attack and stroke risk. This reaction may last long after the initial infection has been resolved.

In the long-term, Inflammation plays a key role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, contributing to the formation and rupture of artery plaque, a key player in heart attack and stroke. It’s long been known that managing inflammation is an important part of preventing and treating CVD.

The researchers also found that people living with a chronic viral infection (one that does not clear the body) — like HIV, Hep C or shingles — also have an elevated risk for heart attack and stroke. Surprisingly, however, it’s lower than the risk associated with short-term viral infections, such as a bout with the flu or COVID.

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Douse dangerous inflammation year-round

Because of these findings, the researchers suggest, “Preventive measures against viral infections, including vaccination, may play an important role in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Prevention is especially important for adults who already have cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors.”

But year-round, not just during flu season, it’s a good idea to practice habits that lower risks from the inflammation abomination — viral or not.

My top suggestions include:

• Exercise. Just one exercise session stimulates your immune system and triggers an anti-inflammatory response in your cells. Imagine what happens when you do it regularly!
• An anti-inflammatory diet. Studies show diets like the Mediterranean diet can lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a molecule that raises inflammation, by as much as 20 percent.
• Vitamin D3 is a powerhouse that pulls double duty, supporting the immune system and the heart. Very recent research found that improving vitamin D3 levels in first-time heart attack survivors slashed their risk of another heart attack by 50%.
• Omega-3s. The fatty acids in fish or krill oil can curb chronic inflammation and help reduce stroke risk.
• Black cumin seed oil. The seeds of Nigella sativa, an ancient plant, have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties for a long time.

Sources:

Some acute and chronic viral infections may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease – American Heart Association