A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session reveals a potential link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and an increased risk of heart disease, including coronary artery disease. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 250,000 patients across seven global studies conducted between 2011 and 2024.
The study found that patients who test positive for HPV have a 40% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who are HPV-negative. Additionally, HPV-positive individuals were twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease. The association held even after adjusting for traditional risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and family history of heart disease.
Lead author Stephen Akinfenwa, MD, suggests that clinicians should consider closer monitoring of patients who test positive for HPV. “We know that about 20% of cardiovascular disease cannot be explained by conventional risk factors,” he said. “This makes it important to identify non-conventional risk factors like HPV that could potentially be targeted.”
The study’s findings have significant implications, as HPV has already been widely recognized for its role in causing cancers. However, the virus may also pose a threat to heart health, making it an important factor for clinicians to consider in cardiovascular assessments.
Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms linking HPV and heart disease. The study’s results highlight the importance of exploring non-traditional risk factors for heart disease, potentially leading to new preventative measures such as HPV vaccination to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Source: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/patient-care/hpv-linked-to-increased-risk-of-heart-disease