Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a global health concern, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives (32% of all global deaths) in 2019. Projections indicate a rise to 23.6 million by 2030. A recent study in the European Heart Journal has uncovered a surprising association between high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality in women. HPV, primarily known for its role in sexually transmitted infections, exhibits a prevalence rate of 2%–44% in the general female population. The study reveals a potential link between HPV infection and deaths caused by CVD, beyond its established association with cervical cancer.
This comprehensive research involved a cohort of 163,250 young or middle-aged Korean women without prior CVD. Over an average period of eight and a half years, these women underwent regular health screenings, including tests for 13 high-risk strains of HPV. The researchers combined this data with national records of CVD-related deaths and identified a notable correlation between high-risk HPV infection and cardiovascular mortality. The study found that those with high-risk HPV infection faced a 3.91 times greater risk of blocked arteries, a 3.74 times greater risk of death due to heart disease, and a staggering 5.86 times greater risk of succumbing to a stroke compared to their HPV-negative counterparts. The risk was found to be even higher in women with both high-risk HPV and obesity. However, the study noted a generally low risk of cardiovascular disease in the group of relatively young, healthy women (9.1 in 100,000 overall).
The researchers emphasize the significance of their findings in elucidating an often-overlooked risk factor for CVD. While traditional risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes account for a substantial portion of CVD cases, approximately 20% occur in individuals lacking these conventional risk factors. Therefore, comprehensively addressing modifiable risk factors, including high-risk HPV infection, assumes paramount importance in promoting holistic cardiovascular health strategies.
Cheong et al. highlight the potential role of inflammation in the development and progression of CVD. Viral infections, including HPV, are recognized as potential triggers for inflammation. The study suggests that HPV, known for its association with cervical cancer, might also contribute to inflammation in the bloodstream. This inflammation could lead to blocked and damaged arteries, elevating the risk of CVD.
The study conducted on young and middle-aged Korean women revealed that those infected with HR-HPV (high-risk human papillomavirus) had higher death rates from CVD, such as atherosclerotic CVD and ischemic heart disease (IHD), particularly in obese individuals. The results highlight the importance of providing comprehensive care to individuals with high-risk HPV infections. Regular health screenings and adopting a healthy lifestyle are crucial steps in reducing the risk of CVDs for individuals with high-risk HPV.
Reference
Cheong HS, Chang Y, Kim Y, Kwon MJ, Cho Y, Kim B, et al. Human papillomavirus infection and cardiovascular mortality: a cohort study. European Heart Journal. 2024 Feb 7;ehae020.