Flu Shot Could Help Prevent Heart Attacks

A new study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress presented an interesting hypothesis that flu shots may help prevent heart attacks. The researchers looked at 3,227 participants. Half of these had been followed from the 1960’s. Half of the total were given placebo flue shots, while the other half received it.

The results were astounding. The group who had the shot were 40% less likely to die from cardiovascular causes, such as heart attacks. Currently, individuals with a history of heart problems are urged to receive their yearly flu shot. The Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson says that, “In addition to leading a heart healthy life, having an annual flu shot could be another easy way to help prevent cardiac events.”

The study findings could possibly answer why it is so beneficial to them. The study author Dr. Jacob Udell, a cardiologist from the Women’s College Hospital and the University of Toronto, says that the benefits could be caused by the vulnerability of participants with a history of heart problems. Being sick with the flu can cause breathing difficulties, which in turn give a higher risk for stroke or heart attack. For those already with a risk, it could be a death sentence.

This study was presented only as a foundation for further study.

Source: CBS