People with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and CVD-related death, especially if they have high blood pressure or diabetes. Publishing their findings in the journal Gastroenterology, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 22 studies published through July 2015 that compared CVD rates between people with and without hep C, or that looked at hep C rates among people with CVD.

The researchers found that having hep C was linked with a 1.65-fold greater risk of CVD-related death, a 2.27-fold greater risk of carotid artery plaques and a 1.3-fold greater risk of cerebro-cardiovascular health events, such as an aneurism. These hep C-related increases in risk were increased if individuals had high blood pressure, diabetes or both.

To read the study abstract, click here.