Turned off by cold sores? Your heart will thank you.

A new study from the University of Sussex discovered a link between cytomegalovirus (CMV) — a common virus that’s related to herpes — and cardiovascular damage.

Apparently, the same infection that causes those painful, unsightly bumps can also attack the arteries around the heart.

It’s been established that a particular kind of cell causes heart problems, says the paper’s author, Alejandra Pera, Ph.D. Previously, it was not clear that these cells were directly related to CMV.

Until now, the virus was considered annoying, but harmless.

The researchers think that addressing the underlying virus could help treat — and maybe even prevent — heart disease.