Bad heart? Don't forget your flu shot
The flu vaccine may have an important benefit beyond protecting against influenza: It may also prevent heart attacks, especially in those at high risk, experts say.
"It's been a long time that people have recognized that association with flu season and development of a heart attack," said Dr. Kevin Schwartz, an infectious disease physician at Public Health Ontario.
When it comes to preventing heart attacks in people with cardiovascular problems, experts have put getting the flu vaccine on par with long-term measures such as quitting smoking or taking one's medication for high blood pressure.
Doctors don't fully understand what about the flu might lead to heart attacks in some people. But Schwartz said it could be a combination of inflammation, an increased risk of clotting in the blood and the stress the flu puts on your body -- for example, a faster heart rate and greater demands for energy.
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