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Published on: January 20, 2017
The cardiovascular manifestations of influenza: a systematic review
Zahra Raisi Estabragh1, Mamas A Mamas
1Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Insights
Influenza infection can cause serious cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis and increased heart attack risk. Vaccination may reduce cardiovascular mortality in high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza causes millions of severe illnesses and hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.
- Cardiovascular complications are a significant concern associated with influenza infection.
- These complications arise from direct viral effects on the heart or exacerbation of existing cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of cardiovascular complications linked to influenza.
- To describe the presentation, clinical course, and management of these complications.
- To highlight the impact of influenza on cardiovascular health and the role of vaccination.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- Literature search on influenza and cardiovascular complications.
- Synthesis of existing data on clinical presentation, outcomes, and management.
Main Results:
- Influenza can lead to myocarditis, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal cases.
- Pre-existing coronary artery disease patients face increased cardiovascular mortality during influenza epidemics.
- Influenza outbreaks are associated with higher rates of myocardial infarction; vaccination shows protective effects.
Conclusions:
- Influenza poses a significant risk for cardiovascular complications.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for patients experiencing cardiac issues during influenza.
- Influenza vaccination is a key strategy for reducing cardiovascular mortality in at-risk populations.
Abstract:
Influenza accounts for 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and up to 300,000 deaths annually, presenting a considerable burden to healthcare services. A spectrum of cardiovascular complications has been reported in association with influenza infection. This can occur through direct effects of the virus on the myocardium or through exacerbation of existing cardiovascular disease. Direct myocardial involvement presenting as myocarditis is not uncommon during influenza infection. Clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to fulminant myocarditis resulting in cardiogenic shock and death. Cardiovascular mortality is also increased during influenza epidemics in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease. Rates of myocardial infarction have been shown to increase following influenza outbreaks, whilst decreases in cardiovascular mortality have been demonstrated following influenza vaccination in high risk patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of cardiovascular complications, their presentation, clinical course and the management options available following influenza infection.
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