1 week ago
H1N1 Surge Raises Concerns About Hidden Heart Risks
H1N1, also called swine flu, usually affects the nose, throat and lungs.
But the infection can sometimes put extra stress on the heart.
This is especially risky for people who already have heart disease or other health problems.
Flu-related inflammation, fever, dehydration and low oxygen can make the heart work harder.
In rare cases, the virus can inflame the heart muscle or affect its rhythm.
Warning signs include chest pain, unusual trouble breathing, fainting and a racing or irregular heartbeat.
Young healthy people can also rarely develop heart problems after influenza.
Most otherwise healthy people recover fully without lasting heart damage.
People who develop serious heart complications may need follow-up care.
Delhi has recorded about 1,777 confirmed H1N1 cases this year, nearly six times last year’s 229 cases.
Influenza can strain the heart through inflammation, increased heart rate, fever, dehydration and low oxygen levels.
People with heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or other cardiovascular risks face the greatest danger.
Possible complications include heart attack, heart failure, dangerous rhythm disturbances, myocarditis and pericarditis.
Chest pain, disproportionate breathlessness, palpitations, fainting or sudden swelling require prompt medical evaluation.
- Who
- People infected with H1N1, particularly those with heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors; young healthy people can also be affected rarely.
- What
- Doctors are warning that H1N1 can cause cardiovascular complications in addition to respiratory illness.
- Where
- Delhi, with concerns involving the cardiovascular system beyond the lungs.
- When
- The risk of heart attack rises sharply in the days immediately following an influenza infection; Delhi has seen the increase this year.
- Why
- Influenza can trigger inflammation, raise heart rate and increase metabolic demand, while fever, dehydration and low oxygen can further strain the heart.
Key facts
- Confirmed Delhi cases
- About 1,777 H1N1 cases recorded so far this year.
- Cases last year
- Around 229 cases were recorded during the same period last year.
- Primary illness
- H1N1 is an influenza virus that primarily affects the nose, throat and lungs.
- Major cardiac risks
- Heart attack, worsening or new heart failure, and serious rhythm disturbances.
- Less common complications
- Myocarditis and pericarditis.
- Higher-risk groups
- People with existing heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or other cardiovascular risks.
- Emergency symptoms
- Chest discomfort with sweating, nausea or pain radiating to the arm, shoulder, back or jaw.
Sources
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