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Viral respiratory infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, can be associated with cardiac complications, including myocardial infarction (MI). Proposed mechanisms for this excess risk relate to activation of inflammatory and coagulation pathways, along with demand ischemia.
Researchers in the Netherlands conducted an observational registry-based study to evaluate the association of PCR-positive influenza and subsequent risk for MI-associated events (i.e., hospitalization or death). Incidence of acute MI was compared during the risk period (within 1 week after PCR-positive influenza) and the control period (1 year before or after influenza, excluding the risk period). A total of 406 episodes (in 401 patients; median age,…