The flu shot reduces the risk of dying from heart disease by 18%

A new analysis shows that for people with heart disease, the flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of death or serious heart complications.

A meta-analysis (a statistical analysis that includes the application of statistical methods to the results of several studies that may be compatible or contradictory) of 16 randomized, observational studies covered the experiences of over 237,000 people.

The results concluded that people with heart disease vaccinated against the flu were 18 percent less likely to die from heart problems and 28 percent less likely to die from any cause.

They were also 13% less likely to have any type of major heart problem than those who had not received the flu shot.

“Compare that to beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, which are used to control high blood pressure. They reduce mortality by 20-25%. This is perfectly consistent with that,” said lead researcher, Dr Siva Yedlapati, an internist. at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York. This number, which is only one injection per year, compared to taking medication every day throughout the year. This is a great advantage “.

While reviewing the studies, Yidlapati was also surprised to learn that cardiologists are often the least likely of all medical professionals to make the flu vaccine available to patients. He stressed: “The flu shot is very useful for heart patients, and if cardiologists are less likely to keep it, then that’s a big gap.”

The study, which is preliminary, was presented last week at the American Heart Association’s Virtual Science Sessions Conference.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend anyone over 6 months old to be vaccinated against the flu. It is especially important for adults aged 65 and over, who make up the vast majority of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Research shows that half of adults admitted to hospital with the flu have heart disease, and that the risk of a first heart attack is six times greater after having the flu.

This study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, with additional funding from vaccine manufacturer Sanofi-Pasteur, who was not involved in the design, conduct or interpretation of the results.

Despite the potential benefits, fewer than half of adults in the United States get the flu shot. “This is a very small number,” Yiddlapati said. “Doctors have to aggressively argue that their patients get a flu shot. I hope this study strengthens that.”

Source: medicalxpress