Herpes virus and heart disease

A new study could provide the link that scientists have been looking for to confirm that reactivation of a latent herpes virus is a cause of some heart problems. Looking at blood samples from heart patients, researchers at Ohio State University found that those who had suffered a heart attack were the most likely to have inflammatory proteins circulating in their blood compared to patients with less acute symptoms.

And having more of one of these proteins in the blood was linked to the presence of antibodies that signal a latent Epstein-Barr virus EBV reactivation. To date, these relationships have been hard to find because scientists have been unable to detect evidence of a virus in diseased areas of the cardiovascular system. In this study, however, the researchers instead looked for antibodies against a protein that can be produced even when only partial or incomplete reactivation of Epstein-Barr EBV occurs.

And when this antibody was detected, it was associated with immune system malfunctions connected to inflammation -- a known risk factor for heart disease. Identifying a solid link between a reactivated virus and heart disease is important because of the prevalence of EBV, a human herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and several different types of tumors.

An estimated 95 percent of Americans have been infected with the virus by adulthood, and once a person is infected, the virus remains dormant in the body. It can be reactivated without causing symptoms of illness, but reactivation has potential to create chaos in the immune system.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus HSV. Genital herpes Open pop-up dialog box Close. Genital herpes Sores associated with genital herpes can be small red bumps, blisters or open sores.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Genital herpes: CDC detailed fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Jan. Klausner JD, et al. Most people who have viral heart disease will only experience flu-like symptoms. If testing leads to a diagnosis, work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan.

Take all medications as prescribed and monitor your symptoms. Myocarditis is a disease marked by the inflammation of heart muscle. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of myocarditis.

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Researchers looked at days when binge drinking was more common in determining that excessive alcohol intake can cause AFib episodes. Researchers say higher levels of exercise can boost the benefits to cardiovascular health, but experts say there's a limit to how much you should do. View an interactive 3D model of the circulatory system and its major components, including the heart. Also discover conditions that affect the….

Cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, can be caused by a birth defect, or it can develop later in life. Treatment and outlook depend on the underlying…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Since most cases of meningoencephalitis are caused by the herpes virus, the antiviral acyclovir is used to treat it.

You may need to take this medicine through an intravenous IV line for 10 to 14 days. Your healthcare provider may also give you medicine to reduce swelling in the brain and to treat or prevent seizures. With treatment, most people with this disease start to improve within a day or two and tend to recover fully within about a month. But without treatment, very serious complications can set in, including death.

Even with treatment, some people with severe cases may have long-term brain damage. They may have trouble thinking, controlling their body, and hearing, seeing, or speaking. They may need to take medicines for a long time, and they may require long-term care. Avoiding herpes virus infections in the first place can help you prevent herpes meningoencephalitis.

Ways to avoid infections from herpes viruses include:. Abstain from sex or have only one sex partner who has been tested for the virus and isn't infected. Use a latex condom, which can reduce — but not entirely prevent — the risk of infection.

Avoid kissing people with cold sore blisters.