Several types of HPV (human papillomavirus) are known to cause most cases of cervical cancer. But those same types also increase women’s risk of heart attack or stroke, a new study shows. HPV is transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex. The types of papilloma virus when infected with which the risk of developing a malignant disease is higher are HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, etc. More than half of all cancers are thought to be caused by HPV16 and HPV18. The study included 2,500 women, aged 20-59. Research results showed that 44.6% had HPV and 23.2% tested positive for strains of HPV that are associated with cervical cancer. Women with HPV infection are 2.3 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who are not infected with high-risk strains of the papillomavirus, explain the study authors from the University of Texas. The scientists also find that in these cases other risk factors for heart attack or stroke are absent, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, high body mass index. NEWS_MORE_BOX Exactly how, and whether, for sure, HPV increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in women is still unclear. It is possible that the virus affects certain genes that help protect arteries from atherosclerosis, the research team explains. The study could help identify a new high-risk group, said Dr. Susan Steinbaum of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. About 20% of people with heart disease lack the “traditional” risk factors, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, adds the specialist. Whether HPV vaccination can protect a woman from cardiovascular disease remains to be seen by scientists in further research. The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.