Research - influenza can trigger heart attacks

www.influenza.org.nz

Latest research confirms influenza can trigger heart attacks

June 18, 2007

Latest research confirms influenza can trigger heart attacks Doctors need to take concerted action to ensure that people who are at risk of heart disease receive influenza immunisation every year, according to the authors of a new study1 published in the European Heart Journal (May 2007).

A recent study carried out in Russia, where influenza vaccination rates are very low, found that during influenza outbreaks the risk for coronary heart disease deaths increased by one third.

Researchers believe that influenza causes an acute and severe inflammation in the body, which, in some patients, can disturb atherosclerotic plaques (a build-up of cholesterol and fatty material) in coronary arteries and cause heart attacks. In New Zealand it is estimated only about 64 per cent of people over 65 and 35 per cent of those at risk people under 65 who would benefit from vaccination actually have one ( ESR Influenza in NZ 2006). ”

This research reinforces what we have been saying for years. Influenza is a serious and potentially fatal disease especially for those at high risk of complications. Patients at high risk of developing complications of heart disease should be strongly encouraged to have the influenza vaccine,” explains virologist and National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)2 spokesperson, Dr Lance Jennings.

Dr Jennings adds that in 2006 there were 652 hospital admissions for influenza in New Zealand, the highest for 17 years. In 2006 the highest rate of hospitalisations for influenza was among children under 12 months old 3. He says the effectiveness of vaccinating against the influenza virus is well established.

For healthy adults under 65, and where there is a good match between the vaccine and the circulating strains, it is usually 70-90 per cent effective in preventing infection. Studies in New Zealand among older patients have shown 53 per cent reductions in pneumonia, 50 per cent fewer hospital admissions with respiratory disease and 68 per cent fewer deaths with immunisation.

He adds the influenza virus changes each year so annual immunisation is essential for best protection from this serious illness. Influenza immunisation is free for New Zealanders at higher risk of complications - people aged 65 and over and anyone with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease and most cancers.

It is available free until June 30 from a family doctor or nurse. “Immunisation is our best protection. Being fit, active and healthy does not protect you against influenza –it's easily spread and anyone can catch it,” explains Dr Jennings.

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Background Information on Influenza:

Influenza and ‘the Flu’ are the same thing. It is a potentially serious viral infection – much worse than a cold. The illness can last for weeks, often confines you to bed and can carry the risk of permanent damage or death.

The influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses.

The influenza virus changes each year so it’s important that people are immunised annually to gain protection from the strains most likely to circulate.

Even when you are immunised you should practise good hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection. You should cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and then wash your hands. You should always use disposable tissues and stay at home when sick.

For further information go to www.influenza.org.nz or www.moh.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

1 Madjid M, Miller CC, Zarubaev VV, et al. Influenza epidemics and acute respiratory disease activity are associated with a surge in autopsy-confirmed coronary heart disease death: results from 8 years of autopsies in 34 892 subjects. Eur Heart J 2007; DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehm035. Available at: http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org

2National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 to help District Health Boards and the Ministry of Health to meet the national influenza immunisation target. It aims to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

3 ESR 2006 Annual Surveillance Report – Notifiable and Other Diseases in New Zealand

ENDS

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