by

Joseph

In a report published in the February issue of the European Heart Journal, scientists have found evidence that influenza vaccinations are beneficial to patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Scientists from Chiang Mai University in Thailand selected patients with acute coronary syndrome for participation in a one year open-label study to ascertain the benefits of vaccination to patients diagnosed with the condition. The study design meant that the researchers told patients about the treatment that they were receiving during the course of the research trial.

Acute coronary syndrome is common to patients with atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries. If left untreated, clogged vessels could rupture leading to heart attack stroke. Influenza can be particularly troublesome to people with atherosclerosis due to a risk of plaque rupture within inflammed arteries.

Regarding the present study, scientists found that patients whom had been vaccinated against influenza were less likely to be hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome. Compared to controls, the vaccine also lowered the rate of incidence for stroke and heart failure for patients who received it. 

As a result of these findings, experts believe that patients with acute coronary syndrome should receive influenza vaccinations as an effective secondary prevention against coronary artery disease.

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Article Source

Phrommintikul A, Kuanprasert S, Wongcharoen W, Kanjanavanit R, Chaiwarith R, & Sukonthasarn A (2011). Influenza vaccination reduces cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome. European heart journal, 32 (14), 1730-5 PMID: 21289042

"Influenza Vaccine Helps Prevent Coronary Artery Disease" copyright 2011 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.