Acute Cardiovascular Events Associated With Influenza in Hospitalized Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Study in 89,999 adults in US confirmed that acute cardiovascular events are an important contributor to the morbidity and mortality associated with influenza (11.7% event rate). Most common events were acute heart failure (6.2%) and acute ischaemic heart disease (5.7%).
Source:
Annals of Internal Medicine
SPS commentary:
The study authors suggest clinicians should ensure high rates of influenza vaccination, especially in those with underlying chronic conditions, to protect against acute cardiovascular events associated with influenza.
A related commentary notes that the estimated efficacy of influenza vaccines for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events is 15% to 45%, similar to that of statins, antihypertensive agents, and smoking cessation. It acknowledges the important role of the latter interventions in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, and that influenza vaccination continues to be overlooked. It calls for the significant and preventable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with influenza to be recognised and to view influenza vaccination as a routine secondary preventive measure for cardiovascular events.