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According to a new study from the Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, heart complications in patients with bacterial pneumonia are more severe than in patients with viral pneumonia.
In the study of nearly 5,000 patients, the researchers found that patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia were 60% more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or death than patients who received a diagnosis of viral pneumonia.
"We have always known that pneumonia was a risk factor for a major adverse cardiac event, such as a heart attack, within 90 days of diagnosis," said J. Brent Muhlestein, MD, a cardiovascular researcher. at the Intermountain Heart Institute of Intermountain Medical Center. "What we did not know was what type of pneumonia was the most dangerous." The results of this study provided a clear answer, which would allow physicians to better monitor patients and focus on reducing their risk of developing. Adverse major cardiac event. "
The results of the study will be presented at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions in Chicago on Sunday, November 11 at 10:30 am Washington time.
The Intermountain Intermountain Medical Institute at Intermountain Medical Center is part of the Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare System.
The study evaluated 4,792 pneumonia patients diagnosed and hospitalized in one of the 23 Intermountain Healthcare hospitals between January 2007 and May 2014. Each patient was followed for 90 days and followed up for screening. heart attack, stroke, heart failure or death.
Bacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in almost 80% of patients, and 34% (1270 patients) had a major cardiovascular event within 90 days. At the same time, viral pneumonia was diagnosed in 21% of patients and a major adverse event was reported at 26% (258 patients) within 90 days.
"The likely underlying cause is that bacterial pneumonia causes greater inflammation of the arteries compared to viral pneumonia," said Dr. Muhlestein.
When the arteries become inflamed, it destabilizes the layers of plaque that have accumulated over the years. The unstable plaque can become detached from the artery wall and cause a blockage that can lead to heart attack, stroke or death.
"The practical outcome of our study is that caregivers should be aware of the increased cardiovascular risks associated with respiratory infections such as pneumonia, and especially bacterial pneumonia," said Dr. Muhlestein. "If a patient has been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, treat it aggressively and monitor closely for signs of heart attack or stroke If the patient is taking specific disease medications heart, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, take these prescribed medications ".
People with known plaque build-up should be particularly aware of what should be done to prevent respiratory infections. Dr. Muhlestein recommends getting a flu shot, pneumovax, washing your hands properly all year round (and especially during cold and flu season) and quitting immediately.
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