Warts are growths that appear on the skin and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are common and can occur anywhere on the body.

While warts are generally considered harmless, recent research suggests that they may be linked to the development of cardiovascular disease.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These conditions can include coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths per year.

The Connection between Warts and Cardiovascular Disease

While the exact mechanism behind the connection between warts and cardiovascular disease is not yet fully understood, recent studies have suggested that there may be an association between the two.

One study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the presence of warts was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in both men and women.

The study, which followed over 40,000 patients for an average of 11 years, found that those with warts had a 10% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, compared to those without warts.

The researchers speculate that the link between warts and cardiovascular disease may be due to the HPV virus, which is known to cause inflammation and may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

The Role of Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease

Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to infection or injury. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

It is believed that inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Researchers have found that HPV can cause inflammation in the body, which may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

In addition, studies have found that individuals with HPV are more likely to have elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation in the body that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

HPV and Cardiovascular Health

The link between HPV and cardiovascular disease highlights the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health.

While the HPV virus is very common and may be difficult to prevent, there are many steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

These steps may include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and controlling other risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

In addition, individuals with warts may wish to speak with their healthcare provider to determine if further screening for cardiovascular disease is warranted.

Conclusion

While the connection between warts and cardiovascular disease is not yet fully understood, recent research suggests that there may be an association between the two.

The link may be due to the HPV virus, which is known to cause inflammation and may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, individuals with warts may wish to take additional steps to maintain good cardiovascular health, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and controlling other risk factors.