Inflammation throughout the body can be caused by pneumonia. As a result of this inflammation, bits of plaque can break free from your vessel walls, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke.   Pneumonia can cause its own problems even if there is no existing coronary artery disease or plaque buildup. Several systems in your body, including your heart, can be affected by inflammation. Because of this heart failure is a common complication associated with pneumonia.   Pneumonia treatment is available at Immediate Care of Oklahoma.