Recent research indicates that human papillomavirus (HPV) not only causes various cancers but also elevates heart disease risk by 33%. Analysis of studies involving nearly 250,000 participants revealed this association. Lead researcher Stephen Akinfenwa from the University of Connecticut aims to explore the potential of the HPV vaccine, effective against several cancer-causing strains, in also reducing heart disease risks. As cervical cancer deaths in eligible women have decreased significantly since the vaccine's introduction, this new perspective underscores the importance of vaccination as a preventative health measure.
Stephen Akinfenwa states, 'Learning that heart disease may be related to HPV is exciting because HPV infection is preventable. It feels like good news.'
The vaccine, which has been recommended for adolescents since 2006, protects against infection with nine strains of HPV, including high-risk types that are the most likely to cause cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer deaths in women under age 25âthe first generation eligible to receive the vaccineâfell by 65 percent from 2012 to 2019.
Akinfenwa expresses enthusiasm about further studying whether the HPV vaccine can also reduce the risk of heart disease, emphasizing its potential as a preventative measure.
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