How the Flu Affects Your Heart

by Richard J. Manager

The flu is a harsh infectious disease and can be tough on anyone. Most patients in good health may suffer for five to seven days before full recovery. In less optimistic scenario, the flu may be followed by a complication such as a secondary infection or other diseases including bacterial pneumonia.

While in most cases the flu does not require hospitalization, the youngest and the oldest flu patients as well as the flu patients with the heart health problems might require hospitalization if they are developing complications with the flu.

Some new studies verify that even in otherwise healthy patients the flu virus may raise the risk of developing a heart attack within five to seven days of being diagnosed with the flu.

Are cardiovascular disease patients more at risk of catching the flu?

While patients with existing cardiovascular condition are at not at higher risk of catching the flu compared to healthy individuals, they might suffer a tougher version of the flu because they have heart health problems or have had a stroke in the past. Flu being a respiratory illness may cause lower oxygen levels in patients, which may take a toll on the heart.

Should heart patients take their regular meds during the flu?

It is essential for heart patients not to discontinue taking the drugs they have been prescribed to treat their heart health condition. That includes heart rate, cholesterol and blood pressure medications.

The flu shot to the rescue

Because of dangerous complications, which can be lethal in some cases, it becomes increasingly important to avoid the flu if you have heart attack or stroke and as you are getting older.

Getting a flu shot will help prevent heart disease in vulnerable patients. It has been shown that getting a flu shot will decrease the risk of having a heart attack or stroke by about 50 percent in susceptible patients, according to Mayo Clinic cardiologists.

The flu vaccine is not perfect, of course, but it can decrease the chances of getting the flu by up to 60 percent.