One study found that among a cohort of patients who received the influenza vaccine, the risk of heart attack was reduced by 26% and death from cardiovascular disease was reduced by 33%.1 These findings suggest an association between influenza vaccination and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Although there are varying opinions regarding the impact of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular disease, some observational studies have shown a positive association between influenza vaccination and reductions in cardiovascular disease, including acute myocardial infarction (MI). It has been found that there is a relationship.
This systematic review scientific report, The aim of the study was to assess the association between influenza vaccination and reduced likelihood of cardiovascular events.1
“Our comprehensive meta-analysis, based on the latest randomized controlled trial (RCT) data, reveals compelling insights into the potential benefits of influenza vaccination and shows that influenza vaccination and major cardiovascular “We show that there is a significant interaction between event reduction and event reduction,” the researchers wrote. of research. “Notably, patients who received the influenza vaccine experienced a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death of more than 20%.”
The researchers analyzed 275 English-language literature studies using the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases, using the search terms “myocardial disease” and “influenza vaccine,” until August 1, 2023. A search was conducted. This review was conducted of RCTs investigating the potential association between influenza vaccination and subsequent risk of developing CVD.
Participants in the analysis had a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, which resulted in a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Conference abstracts, case reports, and studies comparing high-dose and low-dose influenza vaccination were excluded from the analysis.
The final analysis of the five studies included 4529 patients who received the influenza vaccine and 4530 patients who received a placebo. The average age of participants was 61 years. Study follow-up lasted an average of 9 months.
Of these participants, a total of 517 experienced a major cardiovascular event compared to 621 of those receiving placebo (risk ratio) [RR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55-0.91). Additionally, vaccinated patients had a reduced risk of heart attack (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.97) and a significant reduction in cardiovascular death events (RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.98). .
These findings reveal a significant association between influenza vaccination and a reduction in major cardiovascular events in patients with recent cardiovascular disease, suggesting that vaccinating this high-risk group There may be potential benefits to targeting
As for the potential mechanisms behind why vaccination protects heart health, researchers say it reduces inflammation caused by the flu, prevents secondary infections, and may cause instability during the flu. It has been noted that there is a potential to ensure the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.
However, researchers say further research is needed to better understand the precise mechanisms driving this association and to understand the potential long-term effects of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular disease outcomes. We believe that this is the case.
“In the meantime, healthcare providers and policy makers should heed these findings and prioritize influenza vaccination for patients with recent CVD as a viable and potentially lifesaving preventative measure.” should be considered,” the researchers wrote.
This article was originally published on AJMC.