. >> reporter: two years ago doctors told michelle opel that she was infected with the human pappiloma virus that can cause cervical cancer. >> nobody wants to find out they are close to having cancer. >> reporter: now a link is found between hpv and cardiovascular disease. researchers found an association even with women who did not have other risk factors, such as high cholesterol, smoking or diabetes. >> reporter: 20% of people with cardiovascular disease do not have typical risk factors. pinpointing the link to hpv will help save lives. >> we have to identify new risk markers and risk factors that can lead us to predict heart disease before people have heart attacks. >> reporter: now that we know this, it is something for myself to be on the lookout for. she is now hpv free and has regular checkups to stay healthy. randall pinkston, cbs news, new york. >>> approximately 20 million americans are currently infected with hpv. >>> there may be a simple way for people with high blood pressure to lower risk of more heart problems. patients who take at least one of their blood pressure me