Infectious Diseases (Other)

Respiratory infections increase heart attack risk, Australian doctors say

Professor Geoff Tofler, from the University of Sydney and the Royal North Shore Hospital, said the increased risk was not just at the beginning of respiratory symptoms.

"It peaks in the first seven days and gradually reduces but remains elevated for one month," he said.

"This is the first study to report an association between respiratory infections such as pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis and increased risk of heart attack in patients confirmed by coronary angiography (a special x-ray to detect heart artery blockages)."