It's that time of year again: flu season. And while you may be tempted to skip your flu shot this year, you should think again. Believe it or not, getting the flu can be harmful for your heart. In this article, we will discuss the link between the flu and heart health. We'll also provide some tips on how to protect your heart during flu season.
So, why is the flu harmful for your heart? Well, when you get the flu, your body responds by releasing inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals can damage your blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular problems. In addition, the flu can cause an irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure. This can place a strain on the heart, as it must work harder to pump oxygenated blood through the body. These changes can put strain on your heart and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. People with pre-existing heart conditions are especially vulnerable to complications from the flu and should take extra precautions to avoid contracting the virus. However, even healthy people can experience serious heart problems as a result of the flu. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves during flu season. Consequently, it is important for people with heart problems to get a flu shot every year and to take other precautions to avoid exposure to the virus. By understanding the risks, people can help protect themselves and their loved ones.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect your heart during flu season. Not only would you be protecting yourself from complications from the flu, but you could also be protecting someone else with existing heart conditions or even those with unknown heart conditions.
-First and foremost, get a flu shot! This will help reduce your risk of getting the flu in the first place.
-Stay away from people who are sick
-Wash your hands often.
-If you do get sick, be sure to see a doctor right away and get treated.
By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your heart during flu season.
So, there you have it: the link between the flu and heart health. Be sure to get a flu shot this year and take other precautions to avoid exposure to the virus. Your heart will thank you! To view our services or to book your cardiology appointment with Sam Houston Heart & Vascular, visit our website.
Visit www.SamHoustonHeart.net to check out our other articles on heart health for more information on how to keep your ticker ticking. Thanks for reading!
