Human Papillomavirus as Nontraditional Cardiovascular Risk Factor: Fact or Fiction? Part 2

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US and worldwide, with more than 42 million Americans infected with types of HPV that are known to cause disease. While the link between HPV and the development of a variety of cancers has been strongly established, recent literature has demonstrated a potential association between HPV and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, despite plausible mechanisms for the development of cardiovascular disease with HPV infection, a causative relationship has yet to be firmly established, in part due to potential confounding risk factors between the two. In this 2-part series, we discuss the emerging relationship between HPV and cardiovascular disease. In part 2, we focus on novel risk factors for HPV infection and cardiovascular disease including adverse childhood events, socioeconomic status, and immunosuppression. We conclude with potential prevention and treatment strategies for HPV-related cardiovascular disease, as well as the future direction of the research.