If you know anything about hepatitis C, you’re probably aware that it’s a liver disease.

But what most people don’t know is that it’s also associated with cardiovascular disease. Hep C can dramatically increase the odds of coronary artery disease, heart attack and even stroke.

It’s turning out, though, that there’s one thing common among people infected with Hep C that can tamp down that heightened risk of heart trouble…

Hepatitis C: a quick overview

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes chronic liver inflammation and long-term liver damage.

And, unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for Hep C. So, unless it clears on its own, which happens in less than 25 percent of cases, Hep C is typically chronic.

Baby Boomers — those born between 1945 and 1965 — are five times more likely to have hepatitis C.

That’s because boomers were born before tests that screened blood and medical equipment for infection were commonplace. Additionally, testing for Hep C infection was not available until 1990.

But what if you’re feeling healthy… should you still get tested?  Absolutely.

Many people living with the virus are asymptomatic — meaning they don’t exhibit obvious symptoms. But that doesn’t mean their health isn’t affected in other ways…

Anti-viral treatment reduces risk of heart disease

An international team of researchers looked at the results of multiple studies where cardiovascular disease accompanied Hep C, and in particular, outcomes such as stroke, heart attack, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and all-cause mortality.

Many of the subjects in these studies had received anti-viral treatment for Hep C, while more than twice as many had not.

The researchers found that anti-viral treatment was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. In particular, the risk of PAD and heart attacks was lower in the antiviral group, but the risk for stroke and heart failure was nearly the same in both groups.

However, the rate of death from any cause was much lower in the anti-viral treated group.

The researchers noted a few reasons Hep C carries an enhanced risk for heart trouble, including:

• Endothelial dysfunction, which is when cells that line blood vessels don’t function as they should.
• Metabolic problems,which can include diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol and weight.
• Oxidative stress
• Vascular injury
• and inflammation

Unfortunately, Hep C isn’t the only liver-related condition that’s worse on the heart.

The importance of getting tested

The Centers for Disease Control now recommends that all adults be screened for hepatitis C. Even though the risk is greater for mature adults, Hep C can strike anyone.

If you do test positive for a chronic Hep C infection, your doctor will want to assess the extent of liver damage you may have suffered with further tests or procedures, including a liver biopsy.

All this may sound scary. But there are nearly 4 million people in the United States with Hep C, many of whom don’t know it. Finding out saves lives.

Symptoms of Hep C include fever, fatigue, body aches and loss of appetite, or they may resemble the symptoms of acute liver failure, including jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and dark-colored urine.

But Hep C can also go undetected for decades, leading to a constantly inflamed and swollen liver. The disease usually becomes known when the symptoms of cirrhosis show up.

These include swelling with fluid in the arms, legs, and abdomen, itchy skin, and easy bruising, as well as difficulty thinking, mood swings and motor problems (known as hepatic encephalopathy).

Treatment can decrease the elevated odds of heart disease from a Hep C infection and increase the odds for a healthier, longer life.

Sources:

Hepatitis C Treatment Lowers Heart Disease Risk — Hep

Cardioprotective effect of antiviral therapy among hepatitis C infected patients: A meta-analysis — IJC Heart & Vasculature

Too Few People Treated for Hepatitis C — CDC Vital Signs

Hepatitis C — Cleveland Clinic