Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Your Heart

What is RSV? RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus.

For most people, RSV causes only mild, cold-like symptoms that go away within a week or two. But for older adults and those with heart conditions, RSV can be far more serious.

Studies show that RSV can worsen existing heart conditions – and in some cases, it may even lead to new heart problems like high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, or stroke. It’s also a major cause of hospital stays.

The good news? Getting vaccinated can lower your risk and help protect your heart.

Take Action
Getting vaccinated and seeking care early on – as soon as you suspect you may have RSV or other respiratory illness – can help protect your heart. RSV isn’t talked about as much as flu and COVID-19, but recent research studies show that it may carry serious heart risks.

What are the signs and symptoms of RSV?

It usually starts like a cold. You might notice:

Fever
Headache
Stuffy or runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Tiredness
Less appetite

If you have heart disease and start feeling sick with cold or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor. RSV and other respiratory illnesses can place added strain on the heart.

Tools to Help You Track Your Vaccines

Protect Your Heart With the Vaccines You Need

Staying up to date with your vaccines is part of being heart healthy. Learn more about the vaccines you might need.
Have Heart Disease? Get the Vaccines You Need to Stay Healthy

Vaccines can help you avoid serious illness and protect your heart too. Learn more about why vaccines are important.
Stay on top of your vaccines

Use this worksheet to keep a record of your immunizations so you know which vaccines you’ve received and when – and others you might need.
Keeping a vaccine record is important – even for adults

It's important for you to track the vaccines you need and when you need them. That's because vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious illness. Download the handout to learn more.

show more tools

Last Edited 09/26/2025