Flu can be dangerous for the cardiovascular system, especially for people at risk. Inflammation associated with disease increases the risk of heart attack, myocarditis or arrhythmia.
- Flu can have consequences on cardiovascular health, especially for people with heart disease.
- There is a risk of heart attack, stroke or arrhythmia.
- This is mainly linked to inflammation caused by the action of the immune system after infection.
Freast, cough, aches and intense fatigue: influenza cases are multiplying in France. All the departments of France are in epidemic. If healthy people heal in a few days, the disease may be more serious for fragile people, especially those with heart disease. They are ten times more likely to have a heart attack in the event of a flu.
Flu: What are the links with cardiovascular health?
“”Fighting the infection can generate a lot of stress for the heart, explains Kristin Englund, doctor, specialist in infectious diseases, on the site of the Cleveland clinic, in the United States. If you have an underlying health problem, such as heart disease, influenza complications can become very serious“When the influenza virus contaminates us, the immune system is triggered to fight it. This generates inflammation in the body, responsible for an increase in blood pressure.”The accumulation of plaque (a waxy substance) in the arteries becomes more and more likely to generate ruptures, she warns. As the plate breaks, arterial clots can form and disturb the blood flow to your heart – a blockage could trigger a heart attack“Now people with cardiovascular disease are more likely to undergo these collateral effects of the flu.
What are the other complications in the flu?
The specialist notes that people often underestimate the flu. “”It’s not just a coldshe alerts. It may be deadly. “ Among other possible complications, Dr Englund quotes pneumonia. “”It is the most widespread complication. When it worsens, people usually need an artificial respirator. “ But flu has other cardiovascular consequences including myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, or arrhythmia, heart rhythm disorders. The disease can also trigger a stroke: as for the heart attack, it is caused by a blood clot. Finally, the American doctor emphasizes that cases of encephalopathy, a deterioration of the brain function, can also be consecutive to a flu.
How to avoid cardiovascular damage linked to flu?
To limit risks, vaccination is recommended for the most fragile people. In parallel, it is essential to maintain the barriers by avoiding any contact with a sick person. Dr. Englund also advises monitoring his heart health, in the event of pre-existing pathology. “”If your heart disease is stable and you catch the flu, there is a chance that you are less subject to complications and that they are less serious. “ In case of contamination, it is important to rest properly and enough to heal faster.
