By increasing the likelihood for heart patients to suffer a heart attack, the common flu virus may raise the risk of dying from heart disease. Those who have other risk factors or diabetes may also be at greater risk.
An analysis conducted by a group of British researchers of 39 previous studies of heart patients which was conducted between 1932 and 2008, had results that showed an increase in the number of deaths from heart disease, as well as the occurrence of more heart attacks during flu season.
In fact, this study showed the increased death rate averaged from 35 percent to 50 percent. The report was recently published in the journal Lancet. Experts are urging all heart patients to get vaccinated against regular flu as well as the swine flu, although currently only about one-third of Americans who suffer from heart disease receive flu vaccines.
The possibility of experiencing flu-related medical issues is greater among those having heart-related problems because more flu virus is expected to be circulating during this coming flu season. Dr. Ralph Brindis, vice president of the American College of Cardiology says, “If we can convince cardiac patients to go ahead and get the flu vaccine, that could ultimately save lives.” Read more…