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Could Influenza Vaccination Prevent Myocardial Infarction, Stroke and Sudden Cardiac Death?

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Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), sudden cardiac death and atherothrombotic stroke, which share a common pathogenesis involving disrupted atherosclerotic plaque and intravascular thrombosis, vary seasonally, with peak incidence in winter months. This seasonality is similar to that of upper respiratory infections, of which 38% are due to influenza. Infections such as influenza produce many biochemical, cellular, and hemostatic changes that could predispose to plaque disruption and thrombosis. Infections, particularly of the respiratory tract, often precede AMI and stroke. Four observational studies and one small clinical trial suggest that influenza vaccination can reduce the occurrence of sudden death, AMI, and stroke by approximately 50%. Influenza vaccine is very well-tolerated. With up to 16% of adults contracting influenza each year and the vaccine reducing the incidence of influenza by 50%, influenza vaccination could make a substantial public health impact on acute cardiac and neurovascular events.

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Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this manuscript. The author has no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this manuscript.

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  1. Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Departments of Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, 66160-7378, USA

    David G. Meyers

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  1. David G. Meyers
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Correspondence to David G. Meyers.

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Meyers, D.G. Could Influenza Vaccination Prevent Myocardial Infarction, Stroke and Sudden Cardiac Death?. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 3, 241–244 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00129784-200303040-00002

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