Researchers have warned that people who are vulnerable to the infection of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and RTI (Respiratory Tract Infection) may face nearly twice the risk of heart attacks and strokes than obese people.

The study which was led by the Indian-origin researcher has shown that if the frequency of the common infections like UTI and RTI causing hospitalization for a longer duration, it may be fatal.

Patients diagnosed with any one of these infections were 3 times more likely to die than those without past infection after developing heart disease, and almost twice the likely to die of stroke.

The data reveals that those who are admitted to hospital with a respiratory or urinary tract infection are 40% more likely to suffer a consequent heart attack, and 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke, than patients who had no such infections and are less likely to survive from these conditions, states, Rahul Potluri, researcher at Britain's Aston University.

The effects of the common infections were of similar magnitude among the people suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol, researchers said.

Potluri further claimed that infection appears to converse as much, if not more, of a risk for future heart disease and stroke as well-known risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

The study was conducted in about 34,027 patients who had been admitted with a urinary or respiratory tract infection with an age and sex-matched control group without infection.

Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, obesity and tobacco use, as well as medical history including dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, were also considered.