Influenza virus and atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Influenza viruses typically cause mild respiratory illness but can lead to severe complications like acute lung injury (ALI) and cardiovascular collapse.
• ALI involves pulmonary edema, hypoxemia, and respiratory failure, often seen in severe influenza cases, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Endothelial dysfunction, rather than direct viral effects on epithelium, is increasingly recognized as a key mechanism in severe influenza complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction induced by influenza infection.
• To elucidate the pathways leading to pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and cardiovascular collapse during influenza.
• To highlight the association between influenza and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the pathophysiology of influenza-induced endothelial dysfunction.
• Analysis of studies investigating the link between viral infections and cardiovascular events.
• Examination of clinical data on influenza and acute myocardial infarction incidence.

Main Results:

• Influenza virus primarily targets respiratory epithelium but triggers severe systemic effects via endothelial dysfunction.
• Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and cardiovascular collapse.
• A six-fold increase in acute myocardial infarction admissions was observed within 7 days of influenza diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Endothelial dysfunction is a critical mediator of severe outcomes in influenza infection.
• Influenza significantly elevates the risk of acute myocardial infarction, underscoring its cardiovascular impact.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing severe influenza and preventing associated cardiovascular mortality.