Emerging evidence suggests that respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19 can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, especially in vulnerable individuals. Seasonal vaccination may not only prevent infection but also protect against cardiovascular complications during winter months. On the other hand some view points suggests association should not be linked as cardiovascular diseases and these viruses both increases with winter season. Secondly COVID vaccines are allegedly linked to rare side effects like Myocarditis with inherent threat of conflict of interest in such associations. Futher discussion is requested .
That’s an excellent and very relevant question — let’s break it down:
Do winter viruses trigger heart attacks?Yes, research shows that infections like influenza and other winter respiratory viruses can increase the risk of heart attacks, especially in older adults and those with existing cardiovascular disease. Here’s why:
- Inflammation from infections can destabilize plaques in coronary arteries, causing them to rupture and block blood flow — leading to a heart attack.
- Fever, dehydration, and increased heart rate during infections put additional strain on the heart.
- Studies have shown a sixfold increased risk of heart attack in the first week after confirmed influenza infection.
Should vaccines be your shield?Absolutely. Vaccination against influenza, COVID-19, and even pneumococcus can significantly reduce your risk of infection-related heart complications. Major heart organizations, like the American Heart Association, strongly recommend these vaccines for people with or at risk of cardiovascular disease because:
- Vaccines prevent infections, which means they indirectly prevent infection-triggered heart attacks.
- Some studies suggest the flu vaccine may lower overall cardiovascular events by up to 50% in high-risk individuals.
✅ Bottom line: Winter viruses can indeed trigger heart attacks by increasing inflammation and cardiovascular stress. Vaccines are a powerful shield, helping you stay healthier overall and protecting your heart in the process.
I concur with Dr Barua. COVID causes clots leading to cardiac arrest and influenza infiltrates the heart muscle itself. Hurrah for vaccines!
Are you all sure of what you are saying, based on serious and scientific studies? Or is it also an idea that matches the criteria of each of you. Is this portal going to turn into a miserable opinions like that of many doctors in TickToc?
What a pity!
To Dr Breijo-Marquez,
The medical literature is quiet sufficient to support the claim that COVID causes clots--and I am living proof of it, thanks to British ex-PM Boris Johnson, who dropped all COVID mandates in England in 1922, so that I thought it was relatively safe to travel to England to settle the affairs of my sister-in-law, who had died of COVID in 2020. I got through the acute COVID phase, but developed a left middle cerebral artery thrombosis during the long COVID phase. Fortunately, having treated my lipids and blood pressure very well for the previous 30 years with statins and calcium channel blockers, my arteries were "clean" and the clot resolved. I have seen electron micrographs with Influenza virus particles in cardiac muscle--at a IAS meeting several years ago. So I stand by my comments.
To William Feemam.
Sir. First of all, I am not only a doctor, but a professor of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology (you should not lower my teaching step!)
Secondly, I am very glad you are cured.
Thirdly, there are so many biased trials - on COVID19 it is embarrassing - that your assessment, with all due respect, is no more than a solemn anecdote.
Are you a doctor?
Numerous studies have demonstrated a robust and statistically significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction following respiratory infections, even after controlling for seasonal variations and other confounding factors. The proposed mechanisms include: Systemic Inflammation, Endothelial Dysfunction, Increased Myocardial Oxygen Demand, Direct Myocardial Injury.
Secondly, regarding the role of seasonal vaccination, it is increasingly recognized as a strategy that may offer cardiovascular protection beyond preventing the infection itself. Extensive research, including meta-analyses of observational studies and some randomized controlled trials, has shown that influenza vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The risk of cardiac complications following natural COVID-19 infection is demonstrably higher than the rare risk associated with vaccination.
Thirdly, Myocarditis and pericarditis are rare side effects primarily associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in younger males after the second dose. The vast majority of cases are mild, self-limiting, and resolve with conservative management.
I have never questioned what you say. But any viral infection can affect, not just COVID. You say numerous studies? I would say too many.
Dear Professor Breijo-Marquez,
I apologize if I insulted you, it was unintentional. In the USA, we tend to use the medical appellation as opposed to the scholastic appellation. And I am certainly aware that my case is anecdotal, but my cerebral arteries were whistle clear on MRA and CAT angiogram done just after the symptoms resolved. I would appreciate reading your comments as to why I had the symptoms I had and why you do not think they are COVID related. In any event, thanks for your good wishes.
You are excused.
I am also an American.
I wish you the best.
Winter viruses increases the risk of heart attack by 4-5 times and Stroke chance by 2-3 times .
I don't know the exact percentages. But any virus can cause them. Not just COVID. There is no such thing as pathognomonic.