Key result
Viral infections link to increased ischemic stroke risk, driven by vascular inflammation and thrombosis.
Viral infections may increase ischemic stroke risk through systemic and direct vascular mechanisms, suggesting a potential role for targeted preventive interventions.
Population studies have suggested that viral infections may be contributing to risk of ischemic stroke, although the mechanisms for this are unclear. In this review, we examine the epidemiological evidence supporting the involvement of viral diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, chronic herpesvirus infections, and hepatitis C in current trends of stroke incidence. To support these associations, we highlight the virus-host interactions that are critical in the context of stroke, including direct effects of acute and persistent viral infections on vascular function, inflammation, and thrombosis. Additionally, we evaluate the systemic changes that occur during viral infection that can predispose individuals to ischemic stroke, including alterations in blood pressure regulation, coagulation, and lipid metabolism. Our review emphasizes the need to further elucidate precise mechanisms involved in viral infections and stroke risk. Future research will inform the development of targeted interventions for stroke prevention in the context of viral diseases.
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Clarke et al. (2024) conducted a review in Ischemic stroke. Viral infections was evaluated. Viral infections, including influenza, COVID-19, herpesviruses, and hepatitis C, may increase ischemic stroke risk via direct vascular effects, inflammation, thrombosis, and systemic changes.
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