Flu & Heart Attack: Flu cases have risen sharply in many countries around the world over the past few months. Weather changes, virus mutations, and weakened immunity are contributing to the surge in people.

In a report published in Amar Ujala, we reported on the flu outbreak in Japan and then Malaysia, and the worsening situation. India too has seen a sharp rise in cases due to new flu variants. If you take this infection lightly, dismissing it as a common cold, be careful, as it could lead to a serious problem.

In recent reports, experts say that some new flu variants have emerged this time, which are not only more dangerous than before but have also led to many people being hospitalized. The influenza virus is constantly changing. Typically, symptoms of infection include fever, sore throat, body aches, and difficulty breathing.

However, studies are now warning that infections like the flu can cause serious and life-threatening complications like heart attack and stroke, and everyone needs to be vigilant.

Risk of Heart Attack Due to COVID, Flu

Scientists at the University of California, in a review of 155 studies, found that suffering from COVID, the flu, or a long-term viral infection can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The study found that people who had a long-term COVID or flu infection had a five-fold higher risk of heart problems in the weeks following infection than others.

Those who had the flu had a fourfold higher risk of heart attack and a fivefold higher risk of stroke within a month of infection.

Health experts say we all need to be vigilant about these risks; even infections like the flu can sometimes lead to serious complications.

What did the study find?

The study found that people infected with COVID-19 were three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within 14 weeks of infection.

The risks aren't limited to viral infections. Researchers found that patients with infections like HIV and hepatitis C had a 60 percent higher risk of heart attack and a 45 percent higher risk of stroke overall.

Dr. Kosuke Kawai, an epidemiologist who led the study, said, "It's well known that human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus, and other viruses can cause cancer. However, the link between viral infections and non-communicable diseases like heart disease is less understood."

How Viral Infections Cause Heart Attacks

Scientists have suspected a link between viral infections and heart attacks and strokes for decades. This study confirms this link.

It's unclear why infections increase these risks, but experts believe that overactive immune systems trigger inflammation, which increases the risk of blood clots and subsequent heart complications.

Researchers noted that older people are at a higher risk than younger people after contracting an infection.

Risk of Heart Attack Due to UTIs

In a previous report published in Amar Ujala in September, we explained how UTIs significantly increase the risk of heart attacks.

In a research study, a team of experts found that some common viral infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), which affect millions of people worldwide, may trigger heart attacks. Click here to learn about their connection.

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