Influenza vaccine: Possible protection against heart attack – Austria –

Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes and influenza are related. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the first week after an influenza diagnosis was particularly critical. The flu shot could reduce the risk. The Austrian Association of Vaccine Manufacturers (ÖVIH) reported on Wednesday in a press release.

Influenza vaccine can protect against heart attacks

The risk of a heart attack during the first seven days following an influenza infection is therefore six times higher than the previous year. The risk was particularly high in older patients, those who were infected with the B virus and those who had their first heart attack.

In recent years, several studies have been conducted on the subject. Why does a flu cause an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, but has not been completely understood, the statement said.

Increased risk of inflammation

Basically, all infections through systemic infections and the resulting inflammation result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For the flu, however, other factors are likely to be added. One hypothesis is that the virus leads to a clot of existing atherosclerotic plaques (deposits) and thus causes acute coronary occlusion, that is, blockage of the coronary arteries. Other potential causes include reduced anti-inflammatory activity or increased circulation of macrophages (macrophages – "phagocytes" of the immune system) in the arteries.

Deaths due to vaccination can be reduced

As early as 2015, another badysis of several hinwetg studies has shown not only that heart attacks are more common in flu patients, but also that a vaccine can reduce the risk. The calculated efficacy of the vaccine was therefore slightly less than 30%. Cardiovascular deaths are also likely to be reduced by vaccination. According to Cochrane Library badyzes, 2.3% of deceased patients had a bias in the vaccinated group, but more than double (5.1%) in the unvaccinated group.