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RSV stands for “respiratory syncytial virus,” one of the most common causes of respiratory infections worldwide. The virus has gotten much attention for the severe illness that it can cause among infants and young children—especially those who were born pre-term. The virus can also cause severe illness among adults, especially those who are older (over age 65) and those who are living with certain chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Sometimes referred to as “heart disease,” cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of conditions that impact the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Common examples include:
- Coronary artery disease. Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries that restricts blood flow to the heart and can lead to heart attacks.
- Hypertension. Also known as high blood pressure. It often causes no symptoms but can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
- Heart failure. A condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, causing symptoms that can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. It is also the leading cause of death among people living in the United States.
Cardiovascular disease and severe RSV
As mentioned above, people who have cardiovascular disease may be at an increased risk of severe RSV infections—they are more likely to have an infection that results in hospitalization, that requires a ventilator, and/or ends in death.
Severe RSV infections refer to infections that have spread into the lower respiratory tract—the bronchial tubes and the lungs. Pneumonia is one example. Pneumonia can cause life-threatening complications, especially when untreated or undertreated.
Can RSV damage the heart?
RSV infections can also cause cardiovascular disease to get worse. Research has also found that severe RSV infections may cause cardiovascular damage—meaning some people develop cardiovascular problems following a severe illness caused by RSV. Cardiovascular complications have also been associated with severe infections caused by influenza (better known as the flu) and COVID-19.
What to do if you have cardiovascular disease?
Take steps to protect yourself against infections from RSV and other respiratory illnesses. Wash your hands (and use hand sanitizer when you can’t), avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay up to date on vaccinations.
Older adults are not the only people at risk
The risk of having heart disease increases with age, but people of all ages develop heart disease, and data shows that more people are developing heart disease at younger ages. Having heart disease at any age can increase your risk of severe illness if you become infected with RSV or other pathogens that cause respiratory illness.
Many lifestyle factors increase a person’s risk of heart disease—too little exercise, consuming too many unhealthy fats, alcohol use, and tobacco use. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity significantly increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.
A person is never too young or too old to start making changes that can benefit their cardiovascular health, or to work with a healthcare provider to address health conditions that are increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease.
