RSV Hospitalizations Spike Heart Issues in Seniors
New Study Links Virus to Increased Cardiac Events
New research highlights a significant link between Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) hospitalizations and subsequent cardiovascular problems in older adults. The findings suggest a greater risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation following RSV infection compared to other common illnesses.
RSV’s Growing Impact on Elderly Health
RSV, a common respiratory virus, poses a serious threat to the elderly, particularly those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. While all age groups are susceptible, older individuals with chronic ailments face a higher risk of severe illness. In industrialized nations, approximately 1.5 million adults aged 65 and above experienced RSV-related cases in 2015, with nearly 15% requiring hospitalization.
Unveiling the Cardiovascular Connection
Prior studies hinted at a relationship between respiratory infections and later heart issues, with severe RSV hospitalizations often leading to cardiac complications. To explore this further, researchers analyzed data from Ontario, Canada, comparing cardiovascular events up to a year after discharge for individuals hospitalized with RSV, influenza, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or fractures between 2011 and 2020.
The study examined over 100,000 patient admissions. After meticulous matching of individuals with similar characteristics, the analysis revealed that roughly 18.5% of those hospitalized for RSV experienced cardiovascular events. This figure was notably higher than the 17.7% observed in influenza patients, 12.1% for UTI cases, and 8.4% for fracture patients.
Specific Cardiac Risks Identified
Further insights from the matched cohorts indicated that RSV hospitalizations correlated with a greater incidence of heart failure events when contrasted with the other comparison groups, irrespective of prior heart conditions. Individuals who were hospitalized with RSV also faced an elevated risk of developing atrial fibrillation within a year of their discharge, a risk that varied based on their existing cardiovascular health.
Beyond cardiac concerns, those admitted for RSV often required longer hospital stays or intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, and experienced higher 30-day mortality rates compared to patients hospitalized with influenza, UTIs, or fractures. These outcomes underscore the critical need for closer monitoring of cardiovascular symptoms in older adults following an RSV hospitalization.
“Unlike other respiratory viruses, immunity against RSV tends to decline relatively quickly. This means that a previous infection will not afford the same long-term protection as it might for influenza or COVID-19.”
—Chris Verschoor, PhD, HSN, Foundation Research Chair in Healthy Aging
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 60,000 to 120,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. are attributed to RSV each year among adults aged 65 and older.
The Importance of Vaccination and Monitoring
The findings emphasize the critical role of RSV prevention and vigilant post-infection care. As Chris Verschoor, PhD, HSN, noted, “Our findings reinforce the importance of RSV vaccination in older adults and suggest that monitoring for signs of heart disease following an RSV illness may be pragmatic.” The research indicates that immunity against RSV wanes more rapidly than for other viruses like influenza or COVID-19, making repeat infections and ongoing vigilance crucial.
