New research announced on Aug. 9 revealed that among those diagnosed with acute hepatitis C, only one of three with health insurance receives treatment, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). Without treatment, liver disease, liver cancer and death may occur. In 2019, hepatitis C (usually abbreviated “HCV” for hepatitis C virus) contributed to the deaths of 14,000 people in the U.S. CDC reports that acute hepatitis C diagnoses increased 31% in those between the ages of 40-49 years and 23% in those between the ages of 30-39 years. However, the acute hepatitis C rate has decreased in the 20-29-year age range for the first time in a decade.

Hepatitis C, a virus, is carried through the bloodstream, eventually causing damage to the liver. Of the seven types of HCV, type 1 is the most common found in the United States. Accordion to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the most common causes of HCV are sharing hypodermic needles with someone who is infected, having direct contact with the blood or open sores of an infected person or being accidentally punctured with a needle that has been used by someone who is infected. Additionally, non-sterile needles used during the tattoo process, nail clippers, toothbrushes or razors shared with someone with HCV and having sex with an infected person can initiate contamination. Hepatis C can also appear in children whose mothers are infected when giving birth.

Risk rises among those who have used needles to inject drugs, inhaled illicit drugs, have been on kidney dialysis, and have been diagnosed with HIV. Those with multiple sex partners or a history of sexually transmitted diseases are also at higher risk. Employees and residents of prisons or in a profession where contact with infected blood is possible may also be more likely to become infected, as have individuals with tattoos or body piercings.

Hepatitis C and its impact on the cardiovascular system

Johns Hopkins University Medicine reports a 2015 study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases shows that atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of calcium plaque and fat within the arteries, is more likely to occur in those with hepatitis C. Atherosclerosis often leads to stroke and heart attack. Additionally, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) states that the rate of cardiovascular disease increases among younger men, especially, when they are diagnosed with hepatitis C. In other research, the American Heart Association (AHA) reported that dilated cardiomyopathy is among the cardiovascular issues that often occurs when acute hepatitis C is present. Cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle is unable to properly pump blood to other parts of the body. Eventually, the heart gets weaker and heart failure may occur.

Sometimes there are no symptoms of acute hepatitis C. Because of its acute nature, symptoms may appear as late as two months after exposure and may be present for a matter of weeks up to three months. If symptoms appear, they are often obvious.

Symptoms of HCV include a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), the appearance of bruises and bleeding and itching of the skin. Poor appetite, fatigue, abdominal fluid buildup and swelling of the legs may also be signs. Dark colored urine, a spider-like appearance of blood vessels and confusion, drowsiness or slurred speech may also be symptoms.

Mayo Clinic states that acute hepatitis C results in chronic hepatis in over fifty percent of cases and that treatment substantially reduces the probability of the disease’s chronic stage. During a three-year period ending in 2016, it was estimated that 2.4 million people in the United States were living with hepatitis C. An estimated 57,500 cases of acute hepatitis C occurred in 2019.

The period for acute HCV is considered up to six months after infection. In 20-35% of patients, the virus clears spontaneously. Treatment may include certain drugs and therapies designed to keep the HCV from becoming chronic prescribed by physicians for each individual case.

Preventative measures for acute hepatitis C include avoiding practices known to spread it, such as sharing needles, and to practice care in workplaces where it may exist.

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Do you have questions about your heart health? Ask Dr. Haqqani.

If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Please submit your questions to Dr. Haqqani by e-mail at questions@vascularhealthclinics.org .

Omar P. Haqqani is the Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland.