Syphilis Linked to Increased Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

New study finds syphilis doubles risk of aortic aneurysm and significantly raises odds of other cardiovascular issues.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image showing the internal structure of the human heart and aorta, with glowing veins and arteries, conveying the fragility of the cardiovascular system when impacted by syphilis.An X-ray view reveals the unseen cardiovascular damage that can result from untreated syphilis infections.New Orleans Today

A new study has found that syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems like heart attack, stroke, and aortic aneurysm. Researchers analyzed data from three New Orleans hospitals and discovered that syphilis patients had double the risk of aortic aneurysm, a 92% higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke, a 53% higher risk of ischemic stroke, and a 31% higher risk of heart attack compared to those without syphilis.

Why it matters

Syphilis rates have been rising sharply in the U.S. in recent years, and this new research highlights the potential long-term cardiovascular consequences of the disease if left untreated. The findings underscore the importance for healthcare providers to be aware of this link, especially when treating high-risk patients, and the need for increased education and screening efforts to address the growing syphilis epidemic.

The details

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, tracked the health outcomes of nearly 1,500 syphilis patients and 7,300 people without the infection over 15 years starting in 2011. In addition to the increased risks of aortic aneurysm, stroke, and heart attack, the researchers also found syphilis patients had a 28% higher risk of peripheral artery disease, a condition that can restrict blood flow to the limbs.

  • The study analyzed data from 2011 to 2026.
  • Syphilis rates in the U.S. have risen more than 80% between 2018 and 2023.

The players

Eli Tsakiris

A medical student at Tulane University in New Orleans and the lead researcher on the study.

Dr. Amitabh Pandey

The senior researcher and director of Cardiovascular Translational Research at Tulane University.

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What they’re saying

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and with syphilis cases rising recently, this association is something that all providers treating high-risk patients need to be aware of.”

— Eli Tsakiris, Medical student, Tulane University

“We know that syphilis can increase systemic inflammation. This is important as it is known that inflammation can really kick start and accelerate processes that push cardiovascular disease into overdrive.”

— Dr. Amitabh Pandey, Director of Cardiovascular Translational Research, Tulane University

What’s next

Researchers noted that further studies are needed to establish a direct causal link between syphilis and cardiovascular disease, but the findings suggest healthcare providers should be vigilant in screening and monitoring syphilis patients for potential heart health issues.

The takeaway

This study highlights the critical need for increased awareness, screening, and early treatment of syphilis to prevent the potentially devastating long-term cardiovascular complications of the disease. As syphilis rates continue to rise, addressing this public health issue could have significant impacts on reducing heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions.