Flu vaccination may lower heart attack risk: study

OTTAWA, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) - British researchers have found in their new study that preventing the flu can lower the chances of heart attacks in some people, suggesting there may be a link between respiratory infections and heart attacks.

According to Monday's online issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the researchers, led by Dr. Niroshan Siriwardena of the University of Lincoln, with co-authors Stella Gwini and Carol Coupland, looked at 78,706 patients aged 40 years or older from 379 family practices in England and Wales.

Of the total, 16,012 had had a heart attack and 8,472 of the patients had been vaccinated.

The researchers found that early vaccination for flu - between September and mid-November - was associated with a 21 percent reduction in the rate of heart attacks compared with late vaccination after mid-November, which was associated with a 12 percent reduction.

"Our findings reinforce current recommendations for annual influenza vaccination of target groups, with a potential added benefit for prevention of acute myocardial infarction in those without established cardiovascular disease," the study said.

However, pneumococcal vaccination was not linked to a reduction in the rate of heart attacks, the researchers found.

If the findings are borne out by future studies, then it could lead to changes in the recommended timing and indications for flu shots, the researchers concluded.

The findings are not proof of a link, but they offer another piece of evidence on the benefits of flu shots for people with chronic illness and others who may not be aware of their heart health.

Other ways of avoiding flu, such as hand washing or staying away from crowds, could also play a role in preventing heart attacks.

The study was funded by the U.K.'s National Institute for Health Research.

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