Vaccination and Heart Failure
People with heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, congenital heart disease, or a history of heart attack may have a weakened immune system. As a result, they are at higher risk of developing complications like pneumonia, heart attack, stroke, or worsening heart failure if they contract infections such as the flu, COVID-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), or shingles.
Studies show that during flu seasons, more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in individuals with heart disease or other chronic medical conditions. This is partly due to low vaccination rates.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infectious illnesses. To learn more about recommended vaccines, please consult your family doctor, medical specialist, nurse, or pharmacist.
You can also visit the following websites, which provide valuable resources created by individuals with heart disease and healthcare professionals:
Sharon Bray
Paula Henderson
Isabel Victal
Cindy