Scientists Are Finding HPV Linked To This Concerning Disease ...Saudi Arabia

Cervical cancer is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of HPV. However, the sexually transmitted infection causes a wealth of health problems if left untreated. HPV has also been linked to other cancers as well, including anal and oral cancer.

Adding to the list is one that is not cancer-related at all. For the first time, scientists have discovered a strong connection between HPV and heart problems. Specifically, people harboring HPV showed an increased risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.

? SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week ?

The full study results will be formally presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session on March 31, but Parade has what you need to know about this new link right now.

Related: What to Know About the HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer

The study collected health data from nearly 250,000 people across seven global studies between 2011 and 2024. The dataset included information on participants' HPV status and heart health across their lifespan, with follow-ups ranging from 3 to 17 years.

The results? People who were HPV-positive were found to be 40% more likely to develop heart disease than people who were HPV-negative. They also had twice the risk of coronary artery disease—a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, lowering blood flow to the heart.

Even when researchers accounted for other potential variables, such as family history of heart disease, smoking or the use of blood pressure-lowering drugs, they still observed a connection between HPV and heart disease.

"We always talk about cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure and so on, but we know that about 20% of cardiovascular disease cannot be explained by these conventional risk factors," says Dr. Stephen Akinfenwa, MD, an internal medicine resident at the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine and the study's lead author.

According to Akinfenwa, people who are HPV-positive should regularly get their hearts checked. "This makes it important to identify non-conventional risk factors like HPV that could potentially be targeted,” he adds.

Related: Does HPV Go Away On Its Own? Here's What Doctors Say

Does the HPV Vaccine Lower Heart Disease Risk?

It’s possible, but it's too soon to say for sure. First, the study did not directly examine the role of HPV vaccination in preventing heart problems. Second, while the study found some kind of association between HPV and heart disease, it does not explain how they are connected.

Akinfenwa theorizes that HPV may increase chronic inflammation, which creates further stress for the heart. If that is the case, he would like to see more research on how effective HPV vaccination is at reducing heart disease risk.

What to know about the HPV vaccine

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine starting at age 11 or 12. Though most American adults are not vaccinated. One study found that 6.5% of adults were fully vaccinated against HPV.

One reason is that the HPV vaccine has only been around since 2006, putting many adults past the recommended age to get the vaccine. While less effective after 27, the CDC notes the vaccine still provides benefits for people at high risk for HPV.

Up Next:

Related: Should You Get the HPV Vaccine If You Are Age 35 or Over? We Asked the Experts

Sources

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Scientists Are Finding HPV Linked To This Concerning Disease )

Also on site :

• Country Star Spills What It Was Really Like Performing With Taylor Swift
• Man accused of trying to abduct a child at Walmart released on bond after new video surfaces
• Smoke Signal? Motorcyclist Records Mysterious Black Ring Hovering In Sky Over Kansas (WATCH)