In this 15-year retrospective cohort study of 8,814 adults within a US health system, syphilis infection was independently associated with increased risks of major cardiovascular outcomes, including myocardial infarction, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, peripheral artery disease, and aortic aneurysm or dissection, compared with matched controls without prior cardiovascular disease. Risk was most pronounced in patients with late-stage disease, supporting consideration of cardiovascular risk assessment as part of comprehensive syphilis management.

Source: JAMA Network Open