A new study reveals that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations have significantly higher risks for heart complications than COVID-19-related hospitalizations. This finding, the study noted, is particularly relevant to older adults who face the greatest RSV burden.

Singapore researchers analyzed hospital data from more than 32,000 adults with an average age of 67 years between 2017 and 2024. Among people hospitalized for RSV, almost 11% experienced a cardiovascular complication during their stay. That amount compares with approximately 8% of people with COVID-19, whether or not they were vaccinated.

The study found that these heart-related complications were more common than expected in RSV patients. Compared to those hospitalized with COVID-19 after receiving a booster, RSV patients had a 31% higher chance of experiencing a heart problem. Compared to COVID-19 patients who weren’t boosted, RSV patients had 58% higher odds.

Heart rhythm disorders emerged as the primary concern, affecting almost 5% of people with RSV. Atrial fibrillation, a common irregular heartbeat condition, occurred most frequently among those experiencing cardiac complications during RSV hospitalization.

The research identified particularly vulnerable populations. Adults with preexisting heart conditions showed 2.5 times higher odds of cardiovascular events during RSV hospitalization. The study authors noted that “individuals with preexisting cardiac conditions had higher odds of a concurrent acute cardiac event during RSV hospitalization.”

Those cardiac complications significantly worsened patient outcomes. People with RSV experiencing cardiovascular events required intensive care admission at more than double the rate of those without heart complications. The study found that the occurrence of cardiovascular events was “associated with greater odds of severe RSV requiring intensive care unit admission.”

The study authors emphasized that “older adults with preexisting cardiac history should be prioritized for vaccination against vaccine-preventable” respiratory infections, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.