Cardiovascular diseases increase the risk of complications of influenza. The prevention of winter ailments is fundamental.
Those with heart disease must do everything possible to avoid contracting flu viruses. Several scientific studies have in fact shown that those suffering from cardiovascular diseases can face riskier complications of the flu. More than in other chronic diseases.
Diseases of the heart and blood circulation do not make you more vulnerable to the virus, in the sense that the risk of getting sick with influenza is identical to that of the general population. The problem is that the flu becomes more difficult to eradicate.
We also know that a trivial flu can cause stress that can interfere with blood pressure, heart rate, and overall heart function.
Some research has also found that the risk of having a heart attack or stroke doubles in the week following a respiratory infection, such as a flu.
The researchers believe this may also explain why such cardiovascular events occur more frequently during the winter months.
Symptoms in the presence of heart disease
The symptoms of flu in people with heart disease are no different from those that arise in all others:
- sudden onset fever (usually high)
- joint and muscle pain
- generalized weakness
- headache
- dry cough
- Sore throat and rhinitis
Special complications
In addition to the “normal” complications that can affect anyone, after a flu, those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases are more at risk of heart complications, such as heart attack.
In fact, it seems that the inflammatory state resulting from influenza virus infection can lead to the rupture of quiescent atherosclerotic plaques, with subsequent formation of thrombi that cause heart attack.
When to call your doctor
Heart patients should always tell their doctor about the onset of flu symptoms, so as to allow the doctor to prescribe, if he deems it, an antiviral that can help decrease the intensity of the symptoms and the duration of the flu.
You should call your doctor immediately even if the following problems appear:
- difficulty breathing
- symptoms do not improve after three to four days of flu
- symptoms worsen
- After an initial improvement, stomach pain, vomiting, high fever, chills, chest pain, or cough with thick, yellow-green mucus occur.
Flu vaccine and hygiene
Those suffering from cardiovascular diseases should undergo flu vaccination. The best time is between October and November. However, if you have not been vaccinated in these two months, you can still take advantage of the vaccine in January or even later, since the flu season can continue until May.
It is also necessary to wash our hands often to eliminate any germs present, preventing them from infecting us when we touch our mouth, nose, or eyes.
Recommended therapies
Heart patients and those suffering from hypertension must be careful in the use of symptomatic drugs against the flu, it is good that they contact their doctor to find the most suitable treatment without interfering with the medicines used to treat cardiovascular diseases.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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