Respiratory Syncytial Virus for Professionals

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. Nearly all children will contract RSV by the time they're two and it affects approximately 65 million people on an annual basis.

For most patients, RSV will involve mild, cold-like symptoms and will resolve itself within a week or two. But for others, especially in high-risk groups like infants and older adults, RSV can be serious and may lead to hospitalization. More severe cases of RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia – and it can escalate chronic health issues like asthma and congestive heart failure. Serious cases of RSV can also have serious implications on a patient’s heart health.

Impact of RSV

In the United States alone, up to 160,000 adults and 80,000 children are hospitalized every year for more serious cases of RSV. There’s a strong correlation between RSV and heart health in more serious cases of RSV.

Around 14 to 22% of hospitalizations for adult patients are complicated by cardiovascular issues including worsening congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome and arrhythmias. Underlying cardiovascular disease has also been linked to 45 to 63% of adult hospitalizations for RSV.
A sick toddler is playing with toys

Complications from RSV

While most cases of RSV will remain mild, serious complications can occur, including bronchitis, lung infections, pneumonia and worsening conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.

Studies have shown that up to 22% of hospitalized adults experience cardiovascular complications, such as worsened congestive heart failure, new arrhythmia and stroke.

Patients need to understand the heightened risks they face through RSV – and how to best protect themselves from RSV, especially if they’re in a more vulnerable population.

RSV: Risk-Factors and Cardiovascular Complications

Groups at High Risk for Severe RSV Illness

Older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions are at an increased risk of severe illness and cardiovascular complications from RSV. People who face the highest risk from RSV include:
  • Anyone age 75 or older
  • People ages 60 to 74 with chronic medical conditions including lung or cardiovascular diseases
  • People 60 to 74 who live in a nursing home
  • See the CDC’s full list of risk factors for severe RSV disease among adults
An older gentleman holding the hand of a healthcare professional.
Older Asian gentleman examined by a male doctor who is listening to his heart.

Cardiovascular Complications - Causes

Severe cases of RSV are frequently complicated by cardiovascular issues, which can lead to hospitalization and increased mortality. Studies have shown that underlying cardiovascular disease is present in up to 63% of hospitalized adults. And 14-22% of adult patients hospitalized for RSV deal with cardiovascular complications including worsening congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome and arrhythmias.

Researchers believe RSV primarily impacts cardiovascular health through the respiratory tract, such as when pulmonary hypertension causes a right ventricular strain, and through the inflammatory response. Inflammation can cause acute coronary syndrome, as it triggers plaque destabilization and rupture. Higher levels of fibrinogen and thrombin, as well as increased platelet binding, may also increase the risk of ACS.

RSV has also been linked to myocardial damage. And the physiologic and metabolic stress associated with an acute illness like RSV may lead to ischemia and increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Cardiovascular Complications - Known and Unknown Heart Disease

RSV has been associated with worsening cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmias, heart failure and myocardial infarction, both in patients with and without known diagnoses of these conditions.
MI and Stroke
Patients face a higher risk of MI or stroke immediately after contracting RSV. The highest risk is within three days of infection but remains heightened for up to 90 days.
Congestive Heart Failure
Adults with CHF and RSV are more likely to require inpatient care. Researchers found patients with CHF had eight times the rate of hospitalizations than those without. And over 5% of all hospitalizations for CHF during RSV season are due to RSV infection. The correlation is even higher for older adults. One study found that 20% of elderly patients who had been admitted due to RSV had a primary discharge diagnosis of CHF.
Coronary Artery Disease
High rates of underlying CAD have been found in patients with RSV, though one study found that those patients were more likely to receive outpatient care than inpatient.
You can help your patients with underlying cardiac issues or risks by educating them about the potential impact to their health if they contract RSV.

Diagnosing RSV Cases and Preventing the Spread of Disease

Historically, RSV has been a seasonal illness that starts in the fall and peaks in winter, though COVID-19 disrupted some of its predictability in 2020 and the CDC is uncertain what to expect into the future.

When adult patients with cardiovascular disease or CVD risk factors present with respiratory symptoms, the possibility of RSV and its associated risks should be considered.

Help the patient take steps to prevent spread, manage their condition and watch for worsening CVD symptoms that may require hospitalization.

It can be challenging to distinguish RSV from other seasonal respiratory illnesses, like influenza and the cold, because they share many symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and congestion. The CVD recommends using rRT-PCR assays to confirm an adult diagnosis of RSV as it’s more sensitive than culture and antigen testing.

Some of the most important precautions to prevent the spread of RSV include washing your hands, not touching your face, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting surfaces, staying home when you’re sick and experiencing any cold-like symptoms, and avoiding close contact with sick people.

Helping your patients prevent RSV infection and making sure they work with a health care team if they do get sick is key to helping them stay well.

Older lady hand over her mouth coughing with tissue in the other hand.

CDC's 2024-25 RSV Vaccine Recommendations

Three RSV vaccines are licensed for use in adults ages 60 and older. Research indicates a single shot can cut the risk of symptomatic RSV illness by 83% and severe illness by 94%. For this upcoming respiratory virus season, generally beginning in the fall in the U.S., the CDC recommends that everyone 75 and older receive RSV vaccination if they haven't previously. The agency also recommends that people ages 60 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV meaning they have certain chronic medical conditions including lung or heart disease, or they live in nursing homes — receive one of the new RSV vaccines if they haven't previously.

Educational Resources

The American Heart Association offers continuing education on the impact of RSV on older adults’ heart health.
Explore Resources

RSV Patients

Adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults, especially those 65 years and older, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems. You can help your patients with underlying cardiac issues or risks by educating them about the potential impact to their health if they contract RSV.
Patients can learn more about RSV
Man blowing his nose laying on couch

This educational activity is supported by an educational grant from GSK.