STI nearly eradicated has surged and it's raising heart attack risk
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Syphilis, once nearly eradicated in the 1990s, is resurging due to decreased condom use, reduced screening, and pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, posing new public health challenges.
- A large study found that syphilis significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes, aortic swelling, and reduced blood flow to limbs, even in asymptomatic patients.
- Late-stage syphilis patients face the highest risks, with nearly six times greater risk of death and more than five times higher risk of aortic swelling compared to non-infected individuals.
- Early-stage syphilis does not show a significant increase in cardiovascular issues, but the overall findings suggest the infection silently damages blood vessels over time.
- Researchers recommend routine heart health screening for individuals diagnosed with syphilis and emphasize the importance of STI testing to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.