Respiratory Infections Linked to Myocardial Infarction Risk

Respiratory infections, such as influenza, pneumonia, and bronchitis, were found to be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), according to the findings of a recent study.

The researchers conducted interviews with 578 hospitalized patients who had an angiographically confirmed MI to assess for recent respiratory symptoms and frequency of symptoms throughout the year.
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A total of 100 (17%) patients reported respiratory infection symptoms within 7 days before MI, and 123 (21%) patients reported symptoms 35 days prior to MI. The relative risk for patients experiencing a MI within 1 to 7 days following respiratory infection symptoms was 17, and declined over subsequent time periods.

In patients with milder symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, the relative risk for MI within 1 to 7 days was 13.5.

“These findings confirm that respiratory infection can trigger MI,” the researchers concluded. “Further study is indicated to identify treatment strategies to decrease this risk, particularly in individuals who may have increased susceptibility.

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Ruane L, Buckley T, Hoo SYS, et al. Triggering of acute myocardial infarction by respiratory infection [published online May 14, 2017]. Intern Med. doi:10.1111/imj.13377.