If you have a heart condition, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health is a yearly influenza (flu) vaccine. The flu is particularly hard on your heart, and you want to make sure that you lower your chances of getting the flu as much as possible.
In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published a report that looked at adults who were hospitalized with the flu. It found that serious heart complications — that often came on suddenly — were experienced by 1 out of every 8 people. The flu caused damage to the heart muscle, inflammation of the muscle — or the sac (pericardium) surrounding the heart — and weakening of the heart‘s pumping function. The most common heart issues detailed were the sudden inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands (acute heart failure) and blockage or narrowing of arteries supplying the heart with blood (heart attack).
In a 10-year study of nearly 2,000 adults 40 years of age or older, subjects were found to be at 10 times increased risk of a first heart attack and eight times increased risk of a first stroke within one week of getting the flu. You can find this study here.
Other studies have also shown that flu vaccination lowers the risk of a heart attack, stroke and death from a cardiovascular event in people who have heart disease. Nevertheless, there is a persistent myth in the public that a flu vaccine can make a heart condition worse.
Injected flu shots are very safe for people with heart disease, as these vaccines use inactive components of the flu virus. The nasal spray flu vaccine that contains a weakened version of the live virus isn’t recommended for people with heart disease.
Remember, you can get a flu shot from anywhere. You do not have to get one from your cardiologist. Also, if you live with or care for someone who has heart disease, it’s also a good idea to make sure that you get a yearly flu vaccine, too. This helps prevent passing the flu to a loved one. In addition, it helps you stay healthy if you are in a caregiving role.
