Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a condition that affects the heart and blood vessels. It is a leading cause of death globally, and in the United States alone, one person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease. People with heart disease are more vulnerable to influenza, commonly known as the flu, which is a viral respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, including hospitalization and even death. That is why getting a flu shot is essential for people with heart disease. In this article, we will discuss five reasons why flu shots are important in heart disease.
Here are 5 Reasons Why Flu Shots are Important in Heart Disease:
1. Flu Shots Help Prevent Influenza
The best method to protect yourself against influenza is to be vaccinated every year. The flu shots are important in heart disease, it includes a virus that has been killed or rendered inactive, which stimulates the production of antibodies by the immune system, allowing it to better combat the influenza virus. You may lessen the likelihood of contracting influenza and passing it on to others by being vaccinated against the disease.
It is essential for those who have heart problems to take precautions against the flu. By causing an increase in inflammation and making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood, the flu has the potential to aggravate preexisting cardiac problems such as congestive heart failure. Arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that may be life-threatening, can be triggered by the flu in certain people. The flu may also lead to pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that can make it difficult to breathe and may need hospitalization.
2. Flu Shots Reduce Hospitalizations
Those who have heart problems should consider being vaccinated against the flu since it lowers their chance of being hospitalized. People with heart disease who received the flu vaccine had a 50 percent lower risk of being hospitalized for flu-related complications than those with heart disease who did not receive the vaccine, according to a study that was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (Journal of the American Heart Association).
The research also indicated flu shots are important in heart disease and those who had been vaccinated against influenza had a reduced chance of passing away as a result of flu-related complications.
Those who suffer from heart disease have a heightened risk of complications during hospital stays. Having to spend time in the hospital may be very stressful, and it can also increase the risk of subsequent difficulties, such as getting an infection or developing a blood clot. Those who have heart disease may already be dealing with financial problems as a result of their illness, and hospitalizations may add to those difficulties.
3. Flu Shots Help Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes
Flu shots are important in heart disease, vaccinating against the flu may also help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Inflammation may occur everywhere in the body when someone has the flu, including in the blood arteries that feed the heart and the brain with blood. Because of this inflammation, the chance of developing blood clots, which may then lead to heart attacks and strokes, can rise.
People with heart disease who received the influenza vaccine had a 36% lower risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular event compared to those with heart disease who did not receive the vaccine, as stated in a study that was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. According to the findings of the research, persons who had recently survived a heart attack or stroke benefited the most from receiving the influenza vaccination.
4. Flu Shots Are Safe for People with Heart Disease
Flu shots are important in heart disease and it is completely safe for those who have heart problems. As the flu vaccination does not contain any live viruses, there is no chance that receiving the vaccine may cause one to get the flu. Mild side effects, including as discomfort at the injection site or a low-grade fever, may be caused by the vaccination; however, these adverse effects often disappear within a day or two after receiving the vaccine.
Those who already have heart problems may be afraid that being vaccinated against the flu may make their situation worse. Nonetheless, there is not a single piece of data to back up this worry. Being vaccinated against influenza may, in point of fact, help avoid complications that might make heart disease worse.
5. Flu Shots Protect Others Around You
Flu shots are important in heart disease because getting vaccinated against influenza protects not only you but also the people in your immediate environment. Patients who suffer from heart disease may have compromised immune systems, which makes them more prone to developing infections. By being vaccinated against influenza, you may reduce the risk of passing the disease on to your loved ones as well as other people in your community.
This is of utmost significance for those individuals who are at a greater risk of developing flu-related complications, such as young children, the elderly, and those who already have a preexisting medical condition. By being vaccinated, you are contributing to protecting those in your community who are the most susceptible to the disease.
BOTTOM LINE
Those who have heart problems really need to be vaccinated against the flu. Flu shots are important in heart disease, it has the potential to aggravate preexisting cardiac diseases, raise the likelihood of having to be hospitalized and result in catastrophic consequences such as heart attacks and strokes. Being vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others around you against the flu, as well as to limit the number of people who end up in the hospital.
Those who already have heart disease do not need to be concerned about the safety of flu vaccinations since there is no evidence to support the fear that the vaccine may make heart disease worse. So, if you have heart disease, you should discuss having a flu vaccination with your primary care physician and take the appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.
Also Read: How to Prevent the Flu Naturally?
