Flu vaccination linked to lower heart attack risk in large study

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A new analysis suggests that getting the flu shot may cut the risk of heart attack by about a quarter. The findings come from a scientific report that followed thousands of adults over several months to explore how vaccination affects cardiovascular outcomes.

The study tracked 9,059 participants with an average age around 61. Roughly half received the influenza vaccine, while the remaining participants were given a placebo. Over an average follow-up of nine months, 86 people in the vaccinated group experienced a heart attack compared with 116 in the placebo group. The data indicate that vaccination was associated with about a 26 percent reduction in heart attack risk and a 33 percent lower chance of death from cardiovascular disease.

Influenza infection can trigger systemic inflammation, which is known to contribute to the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries. Inflammation from a flu illness can also increase susceptibility to secondary infections, further fueling inflammatory processes that affect the heart and blood vessels.

The results reinforce the importance of seasonal flu vaccines, especially for older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. The study highlights greater protection for those aged 65 and older, pregnant people, and individuals with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease. Public health guidance during flu season also emphasizes preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, masking when appropriate, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals to reduce transmission and downstream inflammation.

In clinical observations, some physicians have described external signs that may accompany elevated cholesterol levels, including patterns in skin and nail changes. While these signs alone are not diagnostic, they can prompt clinicians to evaluate lipid profiles and overall cardiovascular risk more thoroughly. Comprehensive risk assessment remains the best approach to preventing heart disease across populations.

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