Your Cardiologist Should Be Talking to You About the Flu
Flu Season
Your Cardiologist Should Be Talking to You About the Flu
It's December—flu season is here in NYC. If you have heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors, influenza isn't just an inconvenience—it's a cardiac threat.
The data is clear: Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found people are six times more likely to have a heart attack in the week after being diagnosed with flu (Kwong et al., 2018). Influenza triggers systemic inflammation, increases the blood’s tendency to form clots, and places dangerous metabolic stress on an already vulnerable cardiovascular system.
Last year at Vivify Medical, we had multiple patients avoid hospitalization because we caught early flu symptoms and proactively adjusted their medications. This is why we think about flu season as an integral part of your cardiovascular care plan.
Here's what we're telling our patients right now:
Think of the flu shot as a risk-reduction lever —A 2023 meta-analysis showed flu shots reduce major cardiac events by 26% and cardiovascular deaths by 33% in high-risk patients (NEJM). Talk to your provider about timing and any concerns.
Optimize your baseline now — Before flu season peaks, between December and February, ensure your blood pressure, lipids, and medications are dialed in. A strong cardiovascular foundation is your best defense against infectious stress.
Have a sick-day protocol — If you get the flu, know when to check in. For heart failure patients, especially, we monitor weight, fluid status, and sometimes labs to prevent decompensation.
Plan a post-illness follow-up — Even after symptoms clear, schedule a check-in. We'll evaluate whether the infection affected your cardiovascular metrics and adjust your care accordingly.