Scientists reveal how infections affect the development of heart failure
Researchers from the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic found that hospitalisation for almost any infection significantly increases the risk of developing heart failure in later years.
Findings are based on long-term follow-up of more than 14,000 volunteers in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) programme.
Source: Rebecca L. Molinsky et al. "Infection-Related Hospitalisation and Incident Heart Failure: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study," Journal of the American Heart Association (2025). DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033877
Heart failure is a condition in which a weakened heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen. Surprisingly, high risks have been found not only in severe illnesses like sepsis or respiratory infections (e.g., influenza). Even relatively common inflammations of the skin and urinary tract were also correlated with an increased likelihood of heart failure. According to epidemiologist Ryan Demmer, who led the study, the cause may be the body's specific immune response:
"It is hypothesised that serious infections 'switch on' the immune system to such an extent that it can remain in a state of heightened activity for a long time."
Scientists also do not rule out that severe infections change cellular or genetic mechanisms, "triggering" their pathogenic effects many years later. Another possible factor is hospitalisation itself: any risks associated with a hospital stay may cumulatively contribute to poor health.
Although the study results do not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the authors emphasise the need for efforts to reduce the frequency of infections.
Demmer himself advises vaccination and preventive measures: "Even without a clear cause, fewer infections means fewer overall risks."
This is not the first such discovery within the ARIC programme. Previously, the same research team found that infectious diseases increase the risk of dementia later in life. Over decades of observation, about a quarter of the participants developed heart failure, and among them the highest percentage fell on those who had been hospitalised at least once for infectious reasons. And the "worrisome" ones included not only respiratory and bloodstream infections, but also skin and urinary tract problems.
The study was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the authors believe that coronavirus can amplify similar risks as well. In Minnesota alone, there have been over 100,000 hospitalisations due to COVID-19 in the last five years, and many patients are feeling the effects of the disease for long periods of time.