Guest guest Posted March 19, 2000 Report Share Posted March 19, 2000 Flu Shots And Your Heart An annual flu shot may protect you from more than a fever and sniffles. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting finds that heart patients who get vaccinated against influenza could significantly reduce their risk of a second heart attack. Researchers from the University of Texas looked at 233 patients treated between October 1997 and March 1998 and compared those who had second heart attacks with those who did not. They found that the patients who received flu shots reduced their second heart attack risk by 67 percent. The researchers say their findings support the theory that different types of infections, including influenza, can inflame artery-clogging build-up and lead to a greater chance of a heart attack. They could also explain why more heart attacks occur during the winter months. However, the study's findings are still preliminary, and the researchers need to do a larger-scale follow-up study to determine if the flu shots alone are the reason for the reduction in heart attacks, The Associated Press reports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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