Flu jab linked with lower risk of heart attack

Conclusion This study suggests that there is an association between being vaccinated against the flu and decreased odds of having (and surviving) a heart attack. The researchers conclude that receiving the flu jab may be protective against heart attack, and report that previous studies have shown a link between flu infection, flu vaccination and heart attack. They further suggest that future policy decisions regarding the age at which the seasonal flu jab is offered take into account its potential effect on cardiovascular events. They say “even a small effect of influenza vaccination in preventing AMI [acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack] may have significant population health gains”. A key limitation of case-control studies is their vulnerability to selection bias. In the current study, the cases were selected based on their admittance to hospital for a heart attack, and their ability to provide samples 2.5 days as well as 1 to 1.5 months after the cardiac event. This meant that individuals who had a fatal heart attack were excluded. It is unclear based on this study design whether including individuals who suffered and died of a heart attack would alter the observed association between flu vaccination and heart attack. It’s also problematic that there was a lack of control participants who matched the cases in terms of age. This was because uptake of flu vaccination is higher among those aged 65 and older (in Australia, where the study took place, people age...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Medication Medical practice Source Type: news