RSV & Cardiorespiratory Risks: New Admission Concerns

Adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may face a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular events in the months following their illness, according to recent research. These events include heart failure, ischemic stroke, and even heart attack.

A study published in March 2025 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) conference, examined data from over 2,600 adults aged 65 and older in Denmark who tested positive for RSV during the winter of 2022-2023. Researchers found a 4.4-fold increase in hospitalization for heart failure, and an 8.1-fold increase in ischemic stroke within 14 days of a positive RSV test compared to a control period. A 3.2-fold increase in myocardial infarction (MI) was also observed, though this result was less statistically significant (p=0.063).

The study utilized a self-controlled case series design, meaning each patient served as their own control, comparing their risk of cardiovascular events during the period immediately after an RSV diagnosis to a period before or well after the infection. This approach helps to minimize the influence of individual patient characteristics that might otherwise skew the results.

“These results suggest that RSV infection may confer an increased risk of cardiovascular events, raising important clinical considerations regarding the management of older adults during RSV outbreaks,” the study authors wrote.

The observed increase in cardiovascular events wasn’t limited to the immediate aftermath of the RSV infection. Researchers also noted a 5-fold increase in major adverse cardiovascular events and a 6.3-fold increase in any cardiovascular event overall during the at-risk period. Notably, a substantial proportion – 67.9% – of all cardiovascular events occurred during the same hospitalization as the RSV diagnosis.

The patients included in the Danish study had several common health conditions. As of December 2022, 18% had diabetes, 74% had hypertension, 11% had pre-existing heart failure, 25% had atrial fibrillation, and 23% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Separate research, published in February 2026 in JAMA Network Open, reinforces these findings. This study, analyzing data from nearly 12,000 US patients hospitalized with RSV between January 2017 and March 2024, also demonstrated an elevated risk of cardiorespiratory events – including heart attack, stroke, COPD exacerbation, congestive heart failure exacerbation, and abnormal heart rhythms – for up to six months after RSV hospitalization.

The reasons for this link between RSV and cardiovascular problems are not fully understood. It’s possible that the severe respiratory illness caused by RSV places significant stress on the cardiovascular system, potentially triggering events in individuals with underlying heart conditions. Inflammation triggered by the viral infection may also play a role. The study authors from the JAMA Network Open publication note that RSV has historically been underrecognized as a significant cause of severe respiratory illness in adults, potentially due to nonspecific symptoms and infrequent testing.

Another study highlighted by the American College of Cardiology indicated that the increased risk of cardiovascular events is particularly pronounced in the immediate aftermath of an RSV diagnosis. This suggests that close monitoring of patients hospitalized with RSV, especially those with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors, is crucial.

The emergence of RSV vaccines for older adults, such as Abrysvo, approved for those 60 years and older, as well as for pregnant women to protect their infants, underscores the growing recognition of RSV as a serious public health concern. Vaccination is now recommended by health officials to help prevent severe RSV-related illness and potentially reduce the risk of associated cardiovascular complications.

While these studies demonstrate a clear association between RSV and cardiovascular events, it’s important to remember that correlation does not equal causation. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship and to determine the most effective strategies for preventing and managing these complications. Individuals experiencing symptoms of RSV, or those with concerns about their cardiovascular health, should consult with their healthcare provider.