New research suggests that women infected with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), known for its association with cervical cancer, may face an increased risk of death from heart disease.
Published online on February 7, 2024, in the European Heart Journal, the study focused on over 163,000 young and middle-aged Korean women without preexisting heart disease. During national health examinations, participants were screened for high-risk HPV and monitored for up to 17 years. Following adjustments for various factors influencing heart disease risk, researchers observed that women with high-risk HPV infections were four times more likely to die from heart disease compared to those without HPV infection.
The study authors posit that viral infections, including HPV, can trigger inflammation—a known contributor to heart disease—potentially explaining the observed association. However, they emphasize the need for further research, particularly including studies involving men, to validate these findings. Additionally, future investigations, possibly involving HPV vaccines—which are highly effective in preventing cervical cancer—could explore their impact on heart-related outcomes.
While HPV vaccines represent a crucial tool in cervical cancer prevention, their potential role in mitigating cardiovascular risk warrants exploration. Further research endeavors in this area could provide valuable insights into the broader health implications of HPV infection and inform preventive strategies against both cervical cancer and cardiovascular disease.
