27 Mar Flu Linked to Marked Increase in Heart Failure Admissions
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Sonja Kytomaa
Sonja Kytomaa MA
Research Associate
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Dr. Scott Solomon
Scott D. Solomon, MD
The Edward D. Frohlich Distinguished Chair
Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Senior Physician
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
International Associate Editor, European Heart Journal
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Influenza is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, yet few studies have explored the temporal association between influenza activity and hospitalizations, especially due to heart failure (HF).
Our aim with this study was to explore the temporal association between influenza activity and hospitalizations for HF and myocardial infarction (MI) in the general population. We related the number of MI and HF hospitalizations by month, which were sampled from 4 US communities and adjudicated in the surveillance component of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, to monthly influenza-like illness activity, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We found that a 5% increase in influenza activity was associated with a 24% increase in HF hospitalizations rates, while overall influenza was not significantly associated with MI hospitalizations. Influenza activity in the months before hospitalization was not associated with either outcome.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Influenza activity may contribute to the risk of HF hospitalizations in the general population, indicating that influenza activity should be addressed in efforts to prevent hospitalizations for cardiovascular events. Since influenza can influence cardiovascular events, and is, for the most part, preventable with vaccination, high-risk individuals should definitely be vaccinated.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?
Response: Influenza activity may contribute to the risk of heart hospitalizations in the general population, indicating that influenza activity should be addressed in efforts to prevent hospitalizations for cardiovascular events. Since influenza can influence cardiovascular events, and is, for the most part, preventable with vaccination, high-risk individuals should definitely be vaccinated.
Citation:
[wysija_form id=”3″]
[last-modified]
The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.
Last Updated on March 27, 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD