February 15, 2023 – February is American Heart Month, when the CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention shines a light on hypertension or high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular disease can affect adults of any age. And one in five adults who died of cardiovascular disease in 2019 were under the age of 65.
But February is also historically the peak month of flu season. So, how can the flu or other respiratory illnesses affect heart health? A recent Sekisui blog examined.
An influenza infection stresses the body and can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, and an underlying health issue like heart disease can cause the flu to transition into something worse. Pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia are the top complications. But cardiac issues like myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, or arrhythmia can occur, and so too can stroke.
White blood cells are the body’s first responders and cause inflammation in their fight to protect the body from an infection, bacteria or virus. This increased activity in the body can lead to blood clots, raised blood pressure and swelling or scarring of the heart. These stressors make plaque within the arteries more vulnerable to rupture, which can block oxygen to the heart or brain causing a heart attack or stroke.
Read more in the latest issue of Repertoire Magazine.