Yet One More Link Between Inflammation and Stroke: Respiratory Infections Increase The Risk of Stroke

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal reports that respiratory infections can increase the risk of stroke, and heart attack. The study reports that the risk of stroke is doubled within one week of a respiratory infection, and stays elevated for up to one month. These results are reminiscent of data published almost 10 years ago that respiratory tract infections increase the risk of heart attacks.

One interpretation of these studies is that viruses or bacteria could, in some instances, cause strokes or heart attacks directly, through an unknown mechanism. Another interpretation is that antibiotics used to treat infections might be the culprit. The latter however does not appear to be the case based on at least two studies. However, a different, and probably more likely, interpretation of these studies is that the increased risk of stroke is caused by the inflammation produced during the attack mounted by the immune system against viruses or bacteria.

This view is supported by studies showing that chronic inflammatory responses, even in the absence of viruses or bacteria, increase the risk of stroke. This is the case in at least two autoimmune diseases, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

However, more studies are needed to unravel the connection between infections and stroke.

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