Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
European cardiologists propose vaccination as a fourth pillar of heart prevention
The European Society of Cardiology proposed vaccination as a fourth pillar of heart prevention in a 2025 consensus document.
It would sit alongside managing risk factors, healthy lifestyle changes and medicines.
Some infections can affect the heart as well as the lungs, and inflammation during illness can contribute to blood clots or destabilise artery plaques.
One study found the risk of a heart attack was about six times higher in the first week after confirmed influenza, but the increase was temporary and relative.
Flu vaccination has the strongest evidence of direct cardiovascular benefit, particularly for people with coronary artery disease.
COVID-19, pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines can also help prevent serious infections that may worsen existing heart conditions, though their direct heart benefits are less established.
Vaccine choices should follow age, health conditions and current guidance from Brazil’s national immunisation programme and medical societies.
The European Society of Cardiology proposed recognizing vaccination as a fourth pillar of cardiovascular prevention in a 2025 consensus document.
The proposal places vaccination alongside risk-factor control, lifestyle changes and medication.
Infections such as influenza and COVID-19 can increase cardiovascular risks, particularly for people with existing heart disease.
A study cited in the article found the risk of heart attack was about six times higher in the first week after laboratory-confirmed influenza.
The article says evidence for direct cardiovascular benefits is strongest for influenza vaccination, while other vaccines can help prevent severe infections that strain the heart.
- Who
- The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) proposed the change.
- What
- It proposed recognizing vaccination as a fourth pillar of cardiovascular prevention.
- When
- In 2025.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Some infections can raise the risk of cardiovascular complications, especially in people with existing heart disease.
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- Proposal
- Vaccination as the fourth pillar of cardiovascular prevention
- Organization
- European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
- Year
- 2025
- Influenza and heart attack risk
- About six times higher in the first week after laboratory-confirmed influenza
- Vaccines discussed
- Influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)