A new study from Tulane University has revealed that America's syphilis epidemic may be driving a hidden surge in heart attacks and strokes. The research found that adults diagnosed with syphilis face significantly higher risks of serious cardiovascular problems, including dangerous damage to the aorta.
Study Findings
Scientists analyzed medical records from three hospitals between 2011 and 2025, identifying 1,469 adults with syphilis and comparing them with over 7,300 similar patients without the infection. Both groups had similar ages, diabetes and high blood pressure rates, and those with existing heart disease were excluded. Over an average follow-up of six and a half years, the results were alarming.
Heart attacks occurred in 6.9% of syphilis patients versus 4.2% of controls. Strokes affected 10.3% of syphilis patients compared to just 1.3% of controls. The study found a 33% higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and a 53% higher risk of ischemic stroke among syphilis patients. Dangerous swelling or tearing of the aorta was also more common.
Late-Stage Risks
Patients with tertiary syphilis, the late-stage form, faced a nearly sevenfold higher risk of death and more than five times the risk of aortic complications. Researchers believe the corkscrew-shaped bacterium gradually inflames and damages blood vessels over time, often without symptoms.
Critical Window for Treatment
Importantly, patients treated during earlier stages of infection did not face the same increased heart risks, suggesting a critical window before permanent vascular damage develops. This underscores the importance of early testing and rapid antibiotic treatment.
US Syphilis Surge
Syphilis cases in the US have ballooned to around 200,000, an 80% increase since 2018. The surge is driven by declining condom use, drug addiction, cuts to public health funding, and reduced access to sexual health services. South Dakota recorded the highest rate in 2023 with 73.4 cases per 100,000, followed by Washington DC (39.9), New Mexico (36.6), and Mississippi (30.1). Several Southern states also report high rates.
Contributing Factors
Rural healthcare shortages, small-town hospital closures, and the methamphetamine and opioid crises are accelerating transmission. Native American communities have been especially affected due to historical mistrust of government health services. Stigma surrounding sexually transmitted diseases continues to discourage testing and open discussion.
Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum and spreads through sexual contact. Early symptoms include painless sores, rashes, and swollen glands, but many people may not notice symptoms. Untreated, it can attack the brain, nerves, eyes, and cardiovascular system. Doctors emphasize the need for early testing and treatment to prevent silent progression to dangerous stages.
