Cardiac findings during uncomplicated acute influenza in ambulatory adults

Previous studies have reported abnormal cardiac findings in up to 43% of ambulatory adults with influenza. This study was conducted to determine the frequency, magnitude, and duration of myocardial dysfunction in such persons.

We enrolled 30 previously healthy young adults without known cardiovascular disease who presented to the clinic

None of the patients had an elevated CK-MB index or troponin I level. Abnormal electrocardiogram findings were noted in 53%, 33%, 27%, and 23% of patients on days 1, 4, 11, and 28, respectively, but none of the findings were considered to be clinically significant. No patient had significant changes in the ejection fraction or abnormal wall motions.

Most ambulatory young adults with acute influenza have clinically insignificant abnormal electrocardiogram findings early during the illness. These abnormalities resolve promptly and are not associated with changes in cardiac markers or echocardiogram findings.