Flu and Covid: Heart risks rise so dangerously in winter!

Flu and Covid: Heart risks rise so dangerously in winter!

Caution is advised in the cold season: flu and coronaviruses significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Current research shows that the risk of a heart attack increases four to five times after a flu infection, while the risk of a stroke is five times higher in the four weeks after such an infection. This information comes from a comprehensive study by Kosuke Kawai and his team at the University of California, who analyzed over 52,000 studies on viral infections and cardiovascular disease and the results were published in the "Journal of the American Heart Association." As blick.de reports, the increased risk is explained by immune reactions that promote inflammation and blood clotting.

These dangerous effects particularly affect people with previous illnesses, such as atherosclerosis, where there is already a narrowing of the blood vessels. In winter, when it gets colder and respiratory infections are at their peak, the risk of heart attacks is particularly high. Low temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict and thus increase blood pressure, which also increases the strain on the heart. Prof. Michael Böhm, Director of the Clinic for Internal Medicine III at Saarland University Hospital, explains: “It is undisputed that respiratory infections are associated with an increased frequency of heart attacks and strokes.” This is also confirmed by [herzmedizin.de](https://herzmedizin.de/fuer-patienten-und-interessierte/sorge/risk factors/grippe-herz.html).

The role of viral infections and vaccinations

What is particularly alarming is the finding that the risk of a heart attack increases by about 3.1 times after a COVID-19 infection and the risk of a stroke is 2.9 times higher. Various viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C also significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, a flu shot can provide effective protection by reducing the risk of severe illness by up to 34%. This finding is particularly important because the risks of various viral infections remain clinically relevant in the long term.

Regarding influenza, a study by Boer et al. demonstrated that influenza infections are directly associated with acute myocardial infarction. A number of other studies, including work by Mamas et al. and Warren-Gash et al., demonstrate the devastating consequences of respiratory infections on the cardiovascular system. The authors call for research in this area to be further intensified in order to better understand the connections and develop effective protective measures. This underlines the need to take your own health seriously and actively combat seasonal risks.

In summary: Flu and COVID-19 infections not only pose a threat to the respiratory system, but can also have serious consequences for the cardiovascular system. A timely vaccination strategy is therefore of great importance in order to minimize the risk of serious complications and to protect health in the long term.

Sources: blick.de, herzstiftung.de, [herzmedizin.de](https://herzmedizin.de/fuer-patienten-und-interessierte/sorge/risk factors/grippe-herz.html)