New Research Warns of Hidden Heart Risks from COVID-19 and Flu Infections
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that people who contract COVID-19 or the flu are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes. The research, which analyzed data from over 155 high-quality studies, revealed that those who have had COVID-19 are three times more likely to have a heart attack within the first 14 weeks after infection, with their risk remaining elevated for up to a year.
Conversely, individuals who have contracted the flu were found to be four times more likely to experience a heart attack in the month following their illness, and five times more likely to suffer a stroke. This alarming trend is thought to be due to inflammation and blood clotting that occurs as the body attempts to fight off viral infections.
The study also highlights the increased risk of heart disease among people living with certain chronic conditions, such as HIV and hepatitis C, which are associated with a 60% higher risk of heart attack and a 45% higher risk of stroke. Additionally, individuals who have had shingles were found to be 12% more likely to experience a heart attack and 18% more likely to suffer a stroke.
Experts emphasize that prevention is key in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Kosuke Kawai, lead author of the study, noted that vaccination and preventive measures may play an important role in mitigating this increased risk, particularly for adults with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or risk factors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals six months and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, while also getting an annual flu shot. Fortunately, these vaccines are covered by private insurers, Medicaid, Medicare, and entitlement programs, making them accessible to the general public.
The study's findings underscore the importance of taking proactive steps to protect one's cardiovascular health, particularly during peak viral infection seasons. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes associated with COVID-19 and flu infections.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that people who contract COVID-19 or the flu are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes. The research, which analyzed data from over 155 high-quality studies, revealed that those who have had COVID-19 are three times more likely to have a heart attack within the first 14 weeks after infection, with their risk remaining elevated for up to a year.
Conversely, individuals who have contracted the flu were found to be four times more likely to experience a heart attack in the month following their illness, and five times more likely to suffer a stroke. This alarming trend is thought to be due to inflammation and blood clotting that occurs as the body attempts to fight off viral infections.
The study also highlights the increased risk of heart disease among people living with certain chronic conditions, such as HIV and hepatitis C, which are associated with a 60% higher risk of heart attack and a 45% higher risk of stroke. Additionally, individuals who have had shingles were found to be 12% more likely to experience a heart attack and 18% more likely to suffer a stroke.
Experts emphasize that prevention is key in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Kosuke Kawai, lead author of the study, noted that vaccination and preventive measures may play an important role in mitigating this increased risk, particularly for adults with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or risk factors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals six months and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, while also getting an annual flu shot. Fortunately, these vaccines are covered by private insurers, Medicaid, Medicare, and entitlement programs, making them accessible to the general public.
The study's findings underscore the importance of taking proactive steps to protect one's cardiovascular health, particularly during peak viral infection seasons. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes associated with COVID-19 and flu infections.
I'm not surprised by this new research, but it's still pretty concerning. I think we need to take these findings seriously and make some changes to our daily lives. For example, getting vaccinated is a no-brainer, especially during peak flu season 
. And if you have any pre-existing conditions, like HIV or hepatitis C, you should be even more careful about your heart health 
.
. But we need to make sure people know how to protect themselves, especially during outbreaks. I mean, prevention is key, right? 
i think its super important to stay vaccinated esp if u got pre-existing conditions or high blood pressure u know, cuz prevention is key 
and its awesome that the CDC is pushing for everyone 6 months+ to get the covid & flu shots 
i know some ppl are saying its not just the virus but also the meds they take or whatever 
anyway this study is making me super anxious about getting sick lol what if i have a heart attack after i get vaccinated?!?!
guess ill just have to try and chill out now 
... Now I'm supposed to worry about the aftermath too? A study that says having COVID or flu can triple my heart attack risk sounds like a total red flag 
. Can we just have a conversation about how to prevent all these things instead of living in fear? 
I also got the flu a few years ago and I thought I was having a heart attack LOL my heart was racing and I could feel this weird pressure in my chest anyway this study is super important we need to be more aware of our cardiovascular health esp during peak viral seasons 
and what's crazy is how much more likely you are if u got shingles 
i'm like totally gonna make sure to get my shots this fall 
it's always better to be safe than sorry 
but now i'm reading that the risk of a heart attack within 14 weeks is 3 times higher 
and i'm just over here thinking 'wait what' 
is it because of the inflammation and blood clotting? 
my anxiety levels are already through the roof 
. And those people with chronic conditions? It's like their hearts are already under so much stress 
. Vaccines can save lives, guys! Let's all take care of our hearts 
.
vaccinated is protected, but even if you've had it before, still gotta be careful 
and what's up with the flu shot? can't stress enough how important this is for our hearts 
I mean, who knew getting the flu or covid could actually increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke? 
. Like, I know my friends are all good about washing their hands and stuff, but we still need to remind each other to get vaccinated every year 
. We need to make sure those people have access to good healthcare and can get the treatment they need 
, I mean, who isn't worried about having a heart attack or stroke after catching the flu or covid?! 
This new research is giving me major anxiety... I know we've all been vaccinated against COVID-19, but it's crazy to think that even with shots, our bodies are still responding like this. 
That's a lot to take in.
. Has anyone else been thinking about this? Are we taking enough precautions to protect ourselves? 
cos they've got pre-existing conditions 
so let's all do our part and stay informed 
like we need to get vaccinated & take care of our hearts 