A new study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress presented an interesting hypothesis that flu shots could help prevent heart attacks. The researchers looked at 3,227 participants. Half of them had been followed since the 1960s. Half of the total received placebo shots, while the other half received them.
The results were astounding. The group that got vaccinated had a 40% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular causes, such as heart attacks. Currently, people with a history of heart problems are being asked to get their annual flu shot. Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson said: « In addition to living a heart-healthy lifestyle, getting your annual flu shot could be another easy way to help prevent cardiac events.
The results of the study could possibly explain why it is so beneficial to them. Study author Dr. Jacob Udell, a cardiologist at Women’s College Hospital and the University of Toronto, says the benefits could be caused by the vulnerability of participants with a history of heart problems. Being sick with the flu can lead to difficulty breathing, which in turn increases the risk of stroke or heart attack. For those already at risk, it could be a death sentence.
This study was presented only as a basis for further study.
Source: CBS
Jim Green
Jim has spent the past 5 years writing for a variety of health related websites. At Activebeat, James is an essential member of the editorial team, providing information on exercise, diet and nutrition, and men’s health – among other things.
