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Review
. 2016 Dec 15;102(24):1953-1956.
doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2016-309983. Epub 2016 Sep 29.

Influenza vaccine as a coronary intervention for prevention of myocardial infarction

C Raina MacIntyre  1   2 , Abela Mahimbo  1 , Aye M Moa  1 , Michelle Barnes  1
Affiliations
Review

Influenza vaccine as a coronary intervention for prevention of myocardial infarction

C Raina MacIntyre et al. Heart. .

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Influenza is one of the leading infectious causes of morbidity and mortality globally, and evidence is accumulating that it can precipitate acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This is thought to be due to a range of factors including inflammatory release of cytokines, disruption of atherosclerotic plaques and thrombogenesis, which may acutely occlude a coronary artery. There is a large body of observational and clinical trial evidence that shows that influenza vaccine protects against AMI. Estimates of the efficacy of influenza vaccine in preventing AMI range from 15% to 45%. This is a similar range of efficacy compared with the accepted routine coronary prevention measures such as smoking cessation (32-43%), statins (19-30%) and antihypertensive therapy (17-25%). Influenza vaccine should be considered as an integral part of CVD management and prevention. While it is recommended in many guidelines for patients with CVD, rates of vaccination in risk groups aged <65 years are very low, in the range of 30%. The incorporation of vaccination into routine CVD prevention in patient care requires a clinical practice paradigm change.

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Conflict of interest statement

CRM has received in-kind support and funding for investigator-driven research from GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck and bioCSL, and has sat on advisory boards for Merck, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mechanisms by which influenza infection may precipitate acute myocardial infarction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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