The flu, caused by the influenza virus, is highly contagious but common. While most people recover on their own with some rest and a healthy diet, there are some who need to be extra careful during an infection. These include people with pre-existing heart conditions. Flu can be risky for people in vulnerable groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 100 crore cases of seasonal influenza annually, including 30–50 lakh cases of severe illness. What's more concerning is that the flu causes 2.9-6.5 lakh respiratory deaths annually.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vivek Mahajan, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital Kalyan, sheds light on the flu complications people with heart conditions may face and vice versa.
Also Read: Delhi Sees Surge In Influenza B, H1N1 Cases Across Age Groups, Say Doctors
How Does Flu Affect The Heart?
Flu is a respiratory infection, and therefore, you may wonder what it has got to do with the heart. But according to Harvard Health Publishing, flu symptoms are usually more severe than those of a common cold: worse coughing, much worse aching and fatigue, and higher fever.
"In addition, the effect of the flu on the lungs can cause blood oxygen levels to drop to dangerously low levels. As a result, the flu can lead to hospitalisation and death," the health blog shares.
According to Dr Mahajan, the flu virus rarely infects the heart muscles directly in a condition called myocarditis. If a person has a weak heart due to heart failure, the condition can worsen significantly if they contract the flu. Heart failure often causes fluid buildup in the lungs, and the flu virus further affects lung function, reducing oxygen levels in the blood. This decreased oxygen supply can strain the heart, potentially leading to worsening heart failure, electrical abnormalities, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases.
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Are People With Heart Conditions More Vulnerable To The Flu?
“Many studies have established a direct link between the flu and acute cardiovascular events in individuals battling heart issues,” says Dr Mahajan, attributing it mainly to the inflammation which can destabilise arterial plaques and lead to rupture of blockages, which can lead to formation of blood clots and increase the likelihood of myocardial infarctions and brain strokes, especially in older adults.
Flu Complications In People With Heart Conditions
For people living with heart diseases such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or hypertension, the flu virus can exacerbate symptoms and even lead to hospitalisation.
Fever and dehydration, two main symptoms of the flu, can put extra strain on the heart, while ensuing respiratory issues can reduce oxygen levels in the body drastically, forcing the heart to work even harder.
Many heart patients already have compromised cardiovascular function, making any complications arising from the flu even more severe.
Also Read: India Sees A Surge In Seasonal Flu Cases, Expert Shares Insights On How To Stay Safe
How Can People With Heart Conditions Protect Themselves?
Dr Mahajan shares that individuals with heart issues should protect themselves by getting the flu shot, as it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe flu complications.
Research has shown that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalisation in individuals with heart disease. Which translates to fewer emergency room visits, fewer cases of heart failure exacerbation, and lower overall mortality rates.
A study published in the Indian Heart Journal established that flu vaccination can be a lifesaver for heart patients. The IAMI trial, involving 2,571 recent heart attack patients, found that getting the flu shot within 72 hours reduced the risk of death, heart attack, or stent blockage by 28% and cut heart-related deaths by 42%.
A larger analysis confirmed that vaccination lowers major heart events by 34%, with even greater benefits for those with acute coronary syndrome.
Conclusion
For individuals with heart conditions, the flu isn’t just a seasonal discomfort; it’s a serious health threat that can lead to severe complications, hospitalisation, or even death. The link between flu and cardiovascular events is well-established, with studies showing that flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and related fatalities. Getting the flu shot is a simple yet effective way to protect your heart and overall health. If you have a heart condition, speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated; it could save your life.