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Friday, January 26, 2018

Flu increases heart attack risk six-fold in the first week

People struck down by flu are six times more likely to suffer a heart attack within a week of their diagnosis, a new study warns.

Researchers say their findings reinforce the need for people deemed at high risk of suffering a heart attack to get a flu shot.

The team at Public Health Ontario in Canada discovered a 'significant association' between acute respiratory infections, particularly influenza, and acute myocardial infarction, the medical name for a heart attack.

The researchers also found an elevated risk of heart attack from other respiratory viruses, but none as high as flu.

Experts warn the findings, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest the risk may be higher for older adults, patients with influenza B infections, and patients experiencing their first heart attack.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

got flu shots for the past 5 years for the first times. exactly 3 weeks after, i got incredibly ill. maybe coincidence, but we'll never know.
they say not, but I'm very suspect.

Anonymous said...

It should be against the law to go to work or school if you have the flu. How else can it be contained. You MUST keep it at home.

Anonymous said...

7:46 but most of these cheap skate business owners are against sick days for employees.

Anonymous said...

Numerous viruses do that. Like Shingles. I had that and my doctor informed me... take it very easy for a couple weeks... when I contracted shingles. The first week especially, as you are suspect to heart attack and stroke. And it's no wonder, there is no description for the pain associated with shingles.