Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) not only increases the risk of cancer, but also the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in women. This is evident from a major study in South Korea that was published on Wednesday. Accordingly, women are four times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease if infected with a high-risk strain of HPV.
About 80 percent of all women and men become infected with HPV during their lifetime. High-risk types mainly try cervical cancer. HPV can also cause vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, or mouth and throat cancers and lead to annoying genital warts.
Dangerous deposits in arteries
Previous research has shown that HPV can also contribute to the formation of dangerous plaques in arteries. Now, for the first time, a study shows a link between high-risk HPV infection and deaths from cardiovascular disease.
Preventive examinations for 163,250 women
In scientific research der Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoulthe results of which have been received were published in the medical journal “European Heart Journal”,163,250 young and middle-aged Korean women who did not have cardiovascular disease at the start of the study participated. They underwent several screening tests, including screening for 13 high-risk HPV strains. The women returned for health examinations every one to two years for an average of eight and a half years.
Even greater risks with obesity
As a group of relatively young, healthy women, their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was generally low. But when other factors known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes) were taken into account, those women with high-risk HPV had a 3.91 times higher risk of developing of clogged arteries due to cardiovascular disease. 3.74 times higher risk of dying from heart disease, and 5.86 times higher risk of dying from stroke, compared to women who do not have high-risk HPV infection. If you were obese at the same time, the risks were even greater.
Doctors keep an eye on patients
“We know that inflammation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease and that viral infections are potential triggers of inflammation,” explains one of the study leaders, Hae Suk Cheong. It is beginning to show that this virus can also be found in the bloodstream. The study underlines the importance of comprehensive care for patients with high-risk HPV. Doctors should monitor their cardiovascular health, especially in patients with obesity or other risk factors.
Can HPV vaccination prevent deaths?
According to the researchers, more research is needed to find out whether high-risk HPV infection has similar effects on men and to determine whether the HPV vaccine can prevent deaths from heart disease. In addition to the fight against cancer, increasing HPV vaccination rates could also be an important strategy to reduce long-term cardiovascular risks.
The HPV vaccination is free in Austria for girls and boys from their 9th to their 21st birthday. Two doses are given in this age group. The effectiveness is best between the ages of nine and twelve years.
Source: Krone
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