Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events in RSV Hospitalizations Compared to COVID-19

New research indicates that RSV hospitalizations significantly increase the risk of acute cardiovascular events compared to COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for at-risk populations.
A recent study published online in JAMA Network Open highlights that patients hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are at a greater risk for experiencing acute cardiovascular events compared to those hospitalized with COVID-19. The research, conducted by Liang En Wee, M.P.H., and colleagues from Singapore's National Centre for Infectious Diseases, analyzed data from 32,960 respiratory viral infections, including 2,148 cases of RSV, prior to the rollout of RSV vaccines.
The findings reveal that approximately 10.9% of RSV hospitalizations involved an acute cardiovascular complication. Notably, the odds of experiencing such events, including dysrhythmia and heart failure, were significantly higher in RSV patients than in those with COVID-19 who had received at least three vaccine doses. The adjusted odds ratio for any cardiovascular event was 1.31 when comparing RSV to boosted COVID-19 cases, with similar increases seen for specific cardiac issues such as arrhythmias (adjusted OR, 1.52) and heart failure (adjusted OR, 1.75). RSV hospitalizations also showed higher odds of cardiovascular complications compared to unvaccinated or partially vaccinated COVID-19 cases, emphasizing the potential protective benefits of vaccination.
Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in the overall risk of cardiovascular events between RSV infections and influenza cases, except for hospitalizations during the pandemic period (2023-2024). During this period, RSV was associated with a higher likelihood of heart failure compared to breakthrough influenza cases with vaccination (adjusted OR, 2.09). The researchers stress that vaccination remains crucial, especially for older adults and individuals with preexisting cardiac conditions, as these groups face elevated risks during RSV hospitalizations.
The study underscores the importance of RSV vaccination in reducing the risk of cardiac complications and highlights ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of vaccine-preventable respiratory infections on cardiovascular health.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-odds-cardiovascular-events-rsv-hospitalization.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Brain Mapping of Body Parts in Adults with Autism Mirrors That of Typically Developing Individuals
A groundbreaking study reveals that adults with autism have brain representations of body parts similar to those of neurotypical individuals, challenging previous assumptions about perceptual differences in ASD.
Rise in Obesity Rates in Canada Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
A comprehensive study reveals that obesity rates in Canada surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with faster increases particularly among younger adults. Learn about the trends and implications for public health.
Majority of Women of Reproductive Age Have Modifiable Risk Factors for Birth Defects, Study Finds
A new study shows that nearly two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the U.S. have at least one modifiable risk factor linked to birth defects, highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare and nutrition.