The impact of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

The link between influenza and medical complications is well stablished and plays a role in the high mortality rates of this disease. Available scientific evidence suggests that influenza vaccination might reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. This setting for cardiovascular prevention beyond immunoprotection has been studied in several clinical trials. Most of them include populations with coronary artery disease. However, differences in clinical design, population included, and vaccination strategies might explain divergent results and should be interpreted with caution. The present article summarizes available literature in a manner that aids physicians in a better interpretation and encourages the implementation of influenza vaccination in cardiovascular prevention programmes.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular prevention; Heart failure; Influenza; Influenza vaccination; Myocardial infarction.