With flu and COVID-19 season always seeming to be just around the corner, vaccines are a frequent topic of conversation. But for those living with heart disease, vaccinations are more than just a seasonal concern—they’re a critical part of managing your health. New guidance from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) is shining a spotlight on just how important certain vaccines are for protecting your heart.
If you have heart disease, your body is more vulnerable to serious complications from respiratory infections. These illnesses can trigger inflammation and stress that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening cardiovascular events. Unfortunately, research shows that many doctors don’t regularly discuss vaccination status with their patients. That’s why the ACC has stepped in with clear recommendations to help you stay protected.
Key Takeaways
- People with heart disease face a higher risk of hospitalization, severe complications, and death from respiratory viruses.
- Infections can trigger inflammation and blood clots, increasing the immediate risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has issued new clinical guidance recommending five key vaccines for adults with cardiovascular disease.
- Getting these vaccines can significantly lower your risk of infection-related cardiovascular events and improve your overall health.
Why Respiratory Viruses Are Riskier If You Have Heart Disease
When your body fights off an infection like the flu or COVID-19, your immune system launches a powerful inflammatory response. While this is a normal part of getting healthy, for someone with heart disease, it can be dangerous. This inflammation can destabilize plaque buildup in your arteries and make your blood more prone to clotting. As one expert from the American Heart Association explained, an infection can be the “trigger for changing the finely tuned balance in the blood,” making you more likely to form clots that can block blood vessels and cause a heart attack or stroke. For anyone with an existing heart condition, this added strain puts you at a much greater risk.
5 Vaccines You Need If You Have Heart Disease
Based on the heightened risks, the ACC strongly recommends that people with heart disease stay up-to-date on the following five vaccinations.
1. Influenza (Flu)
An annual flu shot is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health. The ACC recommends it for all adults with heart disease to reduce the risk of heart-related complications and death. The numbers speak for themselves: one 2018 study found that the risk of having a heart attack was six times higher within a week of a confirmed flu infection. If you’re over 50, the ACC advises getting the flu shot instead of the nasal spray vaccine.
2. Pneumococcal
This vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The ACC recommends a one-time pneumococcal shot for all adults aged 19 or older who have heart disease. The danger is long-lasting; according to the American Heart Association, the risk of a heart attack or stroke remains significantly elevated for up to 10 years after a pneumonia infection.
3. COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical shield for your heart. The ACC recommends that all adults with heart disease receive the updated seasonal vaccine. The benefits are extensive, including a reduced risk of severe infection, death, heart attack, stroke, and long COVID symptoms. Recent research has shown that COVID-19 infections can cause a “rapid” growth of dangerous plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke for up to a year after infection.
4. RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause severe illness, especially in older adults and those with chronic health conditions. A severe case can lead to pneumonia or worsen existing conditions like heart failure. Because of this, the ACC recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine for all adults 75 and older, as well as for those aged 50 to 74 who have heart disease.
5. Shingles
If you have heart disease, you’re already at a higher risk of developing shingles. What’s more, a shingles infection can increase your risk of a future heart attack or stroke by about 30%. The good news is that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing this. A major study found that people who received the shingles vaccine had a 23% lower risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. The ACC recommends that all adults 50 or older get the two-dose shingles vaccine.
Conclusion
For those living with heart disease, vaccines are not just about preventing a temporary illness—they are a vital tool for protecting your long-term cardiovascular health. These five vaccines can dramatically reduce your risk of suffering a life-threatening event triggered by a common infection. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure your vaccinations are up to date. It’s a simple conversation that could save your life.
Scientific References
- American College of Cardiology. (2024). 2024 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Vaccinations for Adults With Cardiovascular Disease. https://www.acc.org/
- Lakshminarayan, K., et al. (2022). Acute Infections as a Trigger of Ischemic Stroke. Journal of the American Heart Association. https://www.ahajournals.org/journal/jaha
- Kwong, J.C., et al. (2018). Acute Myocardial Infarction after Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Infection. New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/
- Ge, J., et al. (2024). Study on COVID-19 and Coronary Artery Plaque. Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. https://www.fudan.edu.cn/en/
- Marston, N.A., et al. (2023). Herpes Zoster, Postherpetic Neuralgia, and the Impact of Vaccination on Cardiovascular Outcomes. European Heart Journal. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj