Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Forget Love, Remember This: Married People May Be More At Risk For Dementia, Says Study

For decades, marriage has been widely regarded as a "protective" factor against many health conditions, ranging from heart disease to depression. The standard narrative has been that the married live longer, are healthier, and enjoy improved mental well-being than the unmarried. But what if that presumption, especially when it comes to cognitive health, doesn't quite hold up?

A new study in Alzheimer's &amp; Dementia flips on its head this traditional wisdom. Married people are at much greater risk of dementia than divorced, widowed, or never-married adults, the 2025 study by Florida State University and the University of Montpellier researchers found.

The longitudinal study followed 24,107 older adults for 18 years. The participants ranged in age from 50 to 104 (mean age: 72) and were recruited through the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, which has more than 42 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers throughout the U.S. None of the participants had been diagnosed with dementia at the time of enrollment, although some showed symptoms of mild cognitive impairment.

<ul><li>Marrieds had a 50% greater risk of getting dementia than their unmarried counterparts.</li><li>Never-married subjects had the lowest risk for dementia, although the difference was not statistically significant between them and divorced or widowed subjects.</li><li>Even among the subjects who at the beginning presented with mild cognitive impairment, those who were not married were less likely to reach full dementia.</li><li>Participants who lost their spouses in the course of the study demonstrated a reduced risk of developing dementia when compared with those who remained married.</li></ul>

The findings contradict the long-standing assertion that marriage invariably improves health and indicate that marital status might play a more complicated role in cognitive aging than heretofore assumed.

<h2>Why Might Unmarried People Fare Better Cognitively?</h2>

Although the researchers could not identify a single definitive explanation for these findings, they presented several plausible hypotheses.

One of the strongest findings was that never-married and unmarried people generally have more robust and varied social networks. They are more likely to have active friendships, be involved in their communities, and develop significant relationships outside of a marital bond.

Married people are less socially integrated and have less frequent, lower-quality interactions in their networks than are unmarried people," the authors of the study wrote.

Moreover, being single tends to demand a higher level of self-sufficiency, which prompts individuals to remain mentally active by taking care of their lives on their own. The psychological complexity and variety of experiences in the lives of unmarried individuals may possibly serve as a buffer against cognitive decline.

<h2>Rethinking the Health Benefits of Marriage</h2>

This research is part of a growing body of evidence challenging the general assumption that marriage is good for health all the time. Previous studies have consistently produced correlations between marriage and health, but these rarely control for confounding variables such as access to health care, resources, or prior health status.

Significantly, correlation is not causation. Just because married individuals often look healthier sometimes doesn't imply that marriage causes it. Instead, it might be that healthier individuals are likely to marry or that marriage gives economic and logistical benefits that support general health.

Actually, a 16-year Swiss study with more than 11,000 adults discovered that marriage did not benefit participants' health—and health actually reduced after marriage in some instances.

As populations in societies worldwide contend with aging populations and increasing rates of dementia, the results from this new study provide essential public health planning. Marriage as a protective factor assumptions may no longer be valid, particularly when estimating <span>dementia risk</span> among older adults.

The clinicians and policymakers can also be faced with the possibility of considering broader approaches that will enhance cognitive function in all the elderly, including those who are married and not married. Such initiatives can reinforce community ties, foster lifelong education, promote mental and physical stimulation, and provide support systems extending beyond the nuclear family structure.

As larger numbers of older persons become divorced, widowed, or never married, it will become crucial to know how these varied life circumstances influence brain health as the foundation of building equal-opportunity, effective health interventions.

Although this paper presents highly compelling findings, further investigation is required to disentangle the intricate dynamics among relationship quality, social connectedness, stress, lifestyle habits, and their roles in cognitive aging.

Is marital conflict stress a cause of cognitive decline? Does marriage caregiving wear down neurological well-being? Or is it the psychological autonomy fostered by the unmarried that is the secret protector against dementia? These are questions left open—and in need of exploration.

In a world in which marriage is so often idealized as the gold standard of a happy and fulfilling life, these findings serve as a bracing—and empowering—reminder- there is no single formula for aging well.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

dementia risk

dementia and marriage

cognitive decline study

dementia statistics 2025

alzheimer’s & dementia journal

dementia in older adults

unmarried and dementia

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For decades, marriage has been widely regarded as a "protective" factor against many health conditions, ranging from heart disease to depression. The standard narrative has been that the married live longer, are healthier, and enjoy improved mental well-being than the unmarried. But what if that presumption, especially when it comes to cognitive health, doesn't quite hold up?A new study in Alzheimer's & Dementia flips on its head this traditional wisdom. Married people are at much greater risk of dementia than divorced, widowed, or never-married adults, the 2025 study by Florida State University and the University of Montpellier researchers found.The longitudinal study followed 24,107 older adults for 18 years. The participants ranged in age from 50 to 104 (mean age: 72) and were recruited through the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, which has more than 42 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers throughout the U.S. None of the participants had been diagnosed with dementia at the time of enrollment, although some showed symptoms of mild cognitive impairment.The results were dramatic:Marrieds had a 50% greater risk of getting dementia than their unmarried counterparts.Never-married subjects had the lowest risk for dementia, although the difference was not statistically significant between them and divorced or widowed subjects.Even among the subjects who at the beginning presented with mild cognitive impairment, those who were not married were less likely to reach full dementia.Participants who lost their spouses in the course of the study demonstrated a reduced risk of developing dementia when compared with those who remained married.The findings contradict the long-standing assertion that marriage invariably improves health and indicate that marital status might play a more complicated role in cognitive aging than heretofore assumed.Why Might Unmarried People Fare Better Cognitively?Although the researchers could not identify a single definitive explanation for these findings, they presented several plausible hypotheses.One of the strongest findings was that never-married and unmarried people generally have more robust and varied social networks. They are more likely to have active friendships, be involved in their communities, and develop significant relationships outside of a marital bond.Married people are less socially integrated and have less frequent, lower-quality interactions in their networks than are unmarried people," the authors of the study wrote.Moreover, being single tends to demand a higher level of self-sufficiency, which prompts individuals to remain mentally active by taking care of their lives on their own. The psychological complexity and variety of experiences in the lives of unmarried individuals may possibly serve as a buffer against cognitive decline.Rethinking the Health Benefits of MarriageThis research is part of a growing body of evidence challenging the general assumption that marriage is good for health all the time. Previous studies have consistently produced correlations between marriage and health, but these rarely control for confounding variables such as access to health care, resources, or prior health status.Significantly, correlation is not causation. Just because married individuals often look healthier sometimes doesn't imply that marriage causes it. Instead, it might be that healthier individuals are likely to marry or that marriage gives economic and logistical benefits that support general health.Actually, a 16-year Swiss study with more than 11,000 adults discovered that marriage did not benefit participants' health—and health actually reduced after marriage in some instances.As populations in societies worldwide contend with aging populations and increasing rates of dementia, the results from this new study provide essential public health planning. Marriage as a protective factor assumptions may no longer be valid, particularly when estimating dementia risk among older adults.The clinicians and policymakers can also be faced with the possibility of considering broader approaches that will enhance cognitive function in all the elderly, including those who are married and not married. Such initiatives can reinforce community ties, foster lifelong education, promote mental and physical stimulation, and provide support systems extending beyond the nuclear family structure.As larger numbers of older persons become divorced, widowed, or never married, it will become crucial to know how these varied life circumstances influence brain health as the foundation of building equal-opportunity, effective health interventions.Although this paper presents highly compelling findings, further investigation is required to disentangle the intricate dynamics among relationship quality, social connectedness, stress, lifestyle habits, and their roles in cognitive aging.Is marital conflict stress a cause of cognitive decline? Does marriage caregiving wear down neurological well-being? Or is it the psychological autonomy fostered by the unmarried that is the secret protector against dementia? These are questions left open—and in need of exploration.In a world in which marriage is so often idealized as the gold standard of a happy and fulfilling life, these findings serve as a bracing—and empowering—reminder- there is no single formula for aging well.

forget love, remember this: married people may be more at risk for dementia, says study

Riya Baibhawi

FDA Approves New COVID Vaccine But Not Everyone Qualifies

fda approves new covid vaccine but not everyone qualifies

Health & Wellness

First-Ever Acne Vaccine Enters Clinical Trials; Could Clear Skin Be Just One Shot Away?

first-ever acne vaccine enters clinical trials; could clear skin be just one shot away?

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influenza raises heart attack risk by 6x– here's another reason to get your flu shot

Covid Cases Surge In Singapore: What Do We Know About The New Variant On The Loose?

covid cases surge in singapore: what do we know about the new variant on the loose?

US administration is slated to lay out a new approach to COVID vaccination at an event on Tuesday that could spell major changes in what is required to get regulatory approval for immunisations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is featuring an upcoming town hall, set to begin Tuesday at 1 pm in Washington, titled "An evidence based approach to Covid vaccination." The two speakers listed are FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad, an outspoken critic of the drug industry who was recently appointed to lead the agency’s division that oversees vaccines. 

This comes as the U.S. The Health and Human Services Department says it will require placebo testing of “all new vaccines.” In a statement to the Washington Post, the agency headed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the new requirement “a radical departure from past practices.” It must be noted that Kennedy Jr. has been a blatant vaxxer.

Why is Covid Vaccination Still Important?

In contrast to the mRNA-based platforms of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, Novavax's vaccine is based on a recombinant protein platform—a technology that is akin to those employed in licensed vaccines such as hepatitis B. This technology could be desirable to those who were resistant to mRNA vaccines because they are worried about newer biotechnology.

Experts indicate that the Novavax vaccine might also be attractive in populations or regions where cold storage demands for mRNA vaccines have presented logistical problems. Yet with limited approval, this advantage won't necessarily come into full play under the existing rollout.

Who Can Actually Get The New Covid Vaccine?

The newly approved Novavax vaccine under the brand name Nuvaxovid will only be issued to:

People aged 12 to 64 years with underlying health conditions

Such conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include asthma, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy. Behavioral and lifestyle risks like smoking, physical inactivity, and substance abuse also come under this category.

While the wide range of risk factors might limit the decision to many, most in the medical field find the ruling too restrictive. Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman criticized the agency's limited approval publicly, saying, "The FDA approval process is intended to determine safety and efficacy, and permit access to approved vaccines. It is not where one makes policy suggestions for use of approved vaccines." 

COVID-19

Coronavirus

coronavirus vaccine

robert f kennedy jr

covid vaccines

US administration is slated to lay out a new approach to COVID vaccination at an event on Tuesday that could spell major changes in what is required to get regulatory approval for immunisations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is featuring an upcoming town hall, set to begin Tuesday at 1 pm in Washington, titled "An evidence based approach to Covid vaccination." The two speakers listed are FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad, an outspoken critic of the drug industry who was recently appointed to lead the agency’s division that oversees vaccines. This comes as the U.S. The Health and Human Services Department says it will require placebo testing of “all new vaccines.” In a statement to the Washington Post, the agency headed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the new requirement “a radical departure from past practices.” It must be noted that Kennedy Jr. has been a blatant vaxxer.Why is Covid Vaccination Still Important?In contrast to the mRNA-based platforms of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, Novavax's vaccine is based on a recombinant protein platform—a technology that is akin to those employed in licensed vaccines such as hepatitis B. This technology could be desirable to those who were resistant to mRNA vaccines because they are worried about newer biotechnology.Experts indicate that the Novavax vaccine might also be attractive in populations or regions where cold storage demands for mRNA vaccines have presented logistical problems. Yet with limited approval, this advantage won't necessarily come into full play under the existing rollout.Who Can Actually Get The New Covid Vaccine?The newly approved Novavax vaccine under the brand name Nuvaxovid will only be issued to:Adults 65 and olderPeople aged 12 to 64 years with underlying health conditionsSuch conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include asthma, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy. Behavioral and lifestyle risks like smoking, physical inactivity, and substance abuse also come under this category.While the wide range of risk factors might limit the decision to many, most in the medical field find the ruling too restrictive. Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman criticized the agency's limited approval publicly, saying, "The FDA approval process is intended to determine safety and efficacy, and permit access to approved vaccines. It is not where one makes policy suggestions for use of approved vaccines." 

covid cases rise in us, trump administration to alter vaccine policy

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High Cholesterol Linked To Longer Life Spans In This Blue Zone

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The newly-released figures show a troubling trend in death rates in the UK when compared with 21 other high-income countries, as well as finding deep inequalities in health between different parts of the UK.

Drawing on new research commissioned from the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine, the data suggest improvements in UK death rates slowed down significantly in the 2010s, more so than in most of the 21 other high-income countries studied.

By 2023, female mortality rates in the UK were 14% higher than the median of peer countries, with male mortality rates 9% higher. The research reveals significant inequalities across the UK.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have higher <span>mortality rate</span>s than England, with Scotland performing particularly poorly. In 2021, only the US had a worse mortality rate than Scotland among the countries studied, while mortality rates were 20% higher in the North East and North West of England than in the South West.

Read more: Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks as Zelenskyy pitches ‘high-level’ meeting of world leaders

The relative worsening of death rates among the working age population is particularly stark. In 2023, female mortality rates for people aged 25-49 were 46% higher than the median of the other countries studied, and male rates were 31% higher.

Only Canada and the US experienced a similar worsening of death rates among this age group during the 2010s.

Poorer working age health in the UK is leading to lower labour force participation and acting as a drag on growth. Among the top three causes of death for people aged 25–49, death rates for cancers and circulatory diseases improved between 2001 and 2019.

In contrast, death rates from external causes (deaths due to injuries, poisonings and violence) worsened, accounting for 70%-80% of the difference in UK death rates at this age compared to the median of the countries studied over this period.

The research found that this is being fuelled by a shocking rise in drug-related deaths, with the rate of drug-related deaths in the UK more than three times higher in 2019 than the average of peer countries. It also found stark geographic inequalities in drug-related deaths.

In 2019, the drug-related mortality rate among 25–49-year-olds in Scotland was around 4 times higher than in England. Within England, the drug-related mortality rate in the North East was 3.5 times higher for males and almost 4 times higher for females than in London.

With the UK's health comparing increasingly poorly with other high-income countries, the Health Foundation is calling for a new strategy to tackle health inequalities, alongside long-term action to rebuild the nation's health and promote economic recovery in areas of long run industrial decline.

Dame Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation, said: “This report is a health check we can’t afford to ignore – and the diagnosis is grim.

"The UK is becoming the sick person of the wealthy world, especially for people of working age. While other nations moved forward, we stalled – and in some areas, slipped badly behind."

The soaring drug-related deaths in Scotland and the North East are not just tragic – they are symptoms of long-standing neglect, economic stagnation and policy failure.

It’s clear that sticking plasters won’t cut it: we need a bold, long-term health strategy that tackles prevention, inequality, and underinvestment in public health head-on. And in particular far more urgent and targeted action on drugs.

“Improvements are possible and urgently needed Improving the nation’s health is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for economic growth and social stability.”

uk health news

Mortality rate

UK Health

Drug addiction

Drug related deaths

The newly-released figures show a troubling trend in death rates in the UK when compared with 21 other high-income countries, as well as finding deep inequalities in health between different parts of the UK.Drawing on new research commissioned from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the data suggest improvements in UK death rates slowed down significantly in the 2010s, more so than in most of the 21 other high-income countries studied.By 2023, female mortality rates in the UK were 14% higher than the median of peer countries, with male mortality rates 9% higher. The research reveals significant inequalities across the UK.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have higher mortality rates than England, with Scotland performing particularly poorly. In 2021, only the US had a worse mortality rate than Scotland among the countries studied, while mortality rates were 20% higher in the North East and North West of England than in the South West.Read more: Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks as Zelenskyy pitches ‘high-level’ meeting of world leadersThe relative worsening of death rates among the working age population is particularly stark. In 2023, female mortality rates for people aged 25-49 were 46% higher than the median of the other countries studied, and male rates were 31% higher.Only Canada and the US experienced a similar worsening of death rates among this age group during the 2010s.Poorer working age health in the UK is leading to lower labour force participation and acting as a drag on growth. Among the top three causes of death for people aged 25–49, death rates for cancers and circulatory diseases improved between 2001 and 2019.In contrast, death rates from external causes (deaths due to injuries, poisonings and violence) worsened, accounting for 70%-80% of the difference in UK death rates at this age compared to the median of the countries studied over this period.The research found that this is being fuelled by a shocking rise in drug-related deaths, with the rate of drug-related deaths in the UK more than three times higher in 2019 than the average of peer countries. It also found stark geographic inequalities in drug-related deaths.In 2019, the drug-related mortality rate among 25–49-year-olds in Scotland was around 4 times higher than in England. Within England, the drug-related mortality rate in the North East was 3.5 times higher for males and almost 4 times higher for females than in London.With the UK's health comparing increasingly poorly with other high-income countries, the Health Foundation is calling for a new strategy to tackle health inequalities, alongside long-term action to rebuild the nation's health and promote economic recovery in areas of long run industrial decline.Dame Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation, said: “This report is a health check we can’t afford to ignore – and the diagnosis is grim."The UK is becoming the sick person of the wealthy world, especially for people of working age. While other nations moved forward, we stalled – and in some areas, slipped badly behind."The soaring drug-related deaths in Scotland and the North East are not just tragic – they are symptoms of long-standing neglect, economic stagnation and policy failure.It’s clear that sticking plasters won’t cut it: we need a bold, long-term health strategy that tackles prevention, inequality, and underinvestment in public health head-on. And in particular far more urgent and targeted action on drugs.“Improvements are possible and urgently needed Improving the nation’s health is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for economic growth and social stability.”

rise in drug-related deaths blamed for increase in uk mortality rate

Influenza Raises Heart Attack Risk By 6X – Here's Another Reason To Get Your Flu Shot

Can Your Smartwatch Predict And Detect A Heart Attack Before It's Too Late?

can your smartwatch predict and detect a heart attack before it's too late?

Plastic Pieces Prompt Recall Of Popular Ice Cream Brand

plastic pieces prompt recall of popular ice cream brand

Each year, millions brace for the <span>flu season</span>, armed with cough drops, hand sanitizers, and the age-old debate- should I get the <span>flu</span> shot? While many associate <span>influenza</span> with little more than a fever and fatigue, mounting research suggests the consequences could be far more severe. A new study has added a significant warning to the mix: contracting the flu could increase your risk of a heart attack by six times in the week following infection.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is abruptly cut off, often due to a blood clot. While risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity are well-known contributors, seasonal influenza now emerges as a stealthy but significant trigger, particularly in those already vulnerable.

This link isn't new. For years, scientists have warned that viral infections can increase cardiovascular risk. However, this latest data provides one of the clearest pictures yet. Researchers evaluated 401 patients who had a heart attack within a year before or after a confirmed flu diagnosis. Alarmingly, 25 heart attacks occurred in the first seven days following influenza infection.

<h2>How Influenza Triggers Heart Conditions?</h2>

Influenza does more than inflame the lungs — it can inflame the arteries, too. When the virus attacks, the immune system responds with inflammation. In people with existing plaque buildup in their arteries, this inflammation can weaken plaque stability, making it more likely to rupture. Once ruptured, the body reacts with clot formation, blocking blood flow and causing a heart attack.

In some cases, the flu virus may also increase blood coagulation, further raising the risk of clot formation. “When people get influenza or the flu, it taxes your body and puts a lot of stress on all of the other systems,” explains Dr. Susan Rehm, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.

The study, led by Dr. Annemarijn de Boer and conducted using data from 16 diagnostic labs across The Netherlands, confirms what many health professionals have long suspected. It found that patients who suffered a heart attack after getting the flu were at significantly higher risk of mortality with 35% dying within a year of their flu diagnosis.

“While it isn’t clear from our results if those with less severe flu are also at risk, it is prudent for them to be aware of the link,” Dr. de Boer notes. The findings will be presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

<h2>How Can A Flu Shot Protect Against Potent Cardiac Condition?</h2>

Perhaps the most actionable takeaway from this research is simple- get your flu shot. For years, influenza vaccination has been recommended primarily for its ability to reduce flu-related complications, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions.

Now, cardiologists and infectious disease experts are urging people especially those with cardiovascular conditions to think of the flu vaccine as an indirect heart attack prevention tool.

A study conducted by the Glasgow Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences found that heart attack patients who received the flu vaccine within 72 hours of their first event had a 50% lower risk of death from a subsequent heart attack. “Flu puts stress on your arteries and makes your blood thicker, so if you have heart disease, it could tip you over the threshold,” said Professor Naveed Sattar of the Institute.

The data is clear: flu shots save more than just lungs — they may save hearts. Consultant cardiologist Professor Martin Cowie of the Royal Brompton Hospital supports this proactive approach. “This is interesting and could be relatively easy to implement in general practice,” he notes. With flu vaccine supplies already stocked by national health systems, including the NHS, implementing flu shots as part of post-heart attack care could be done swiftly and effectively.

While influenza vaccination is a crucial tool, long-term heart health requires broader lifestyle changes. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of heart attacks is primarily driven by modifiable risk factors: high-fat diets, inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity.

One form of preventive care gaining renewed interest is cycling. A recent study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that individuals who cycle regularly especially for commuting or errands were 23% less likely to die prematurely. Just 130 minutes of cycling per week can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

As flu season approaches, getting vaccinated should be considered not just a personal choice but a cardiovascular strategy. The six-fold increase in heart attack risk following influenza infection is a sobering statistic — especially for those already living with heart disease.

influenza

flu season

influenza statistics 2024

cdc flu report

flu hospitalizations 2025

pediatric flu deaths

flu vaccine effectiveness

global influenza trend

Each year, millions brace for the flu season, armed with cough drops, hand sanitizers, and the age-old debate- should I get the flu shot? While many associate influenza with little more than a fever and fatigue, mounting research suggests the consequences could be far more severe. A new study has added a significant warning to the mix: contracting the flu could increase your risk of a heart attack by six times in the week following infection.A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is abruptly cut off, often due to a blood clot. While risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity are well-known contributors, seasonal influenza now emerges as a stealthy but significant trigger, particularly in those already vulnerable.This link isn't new. For years, scientists have warned that viral infections can increase cardiovascular risk. However, this latest data provides one of the clearest pictures yet. Researchers evaluated 401 patients who had a heart attack within a year before or after a confirmed flu diagnosis. Alarmingly, 25 heart attacks occurred in the first seven days following influenza infection.How Influenza Triggers Heart Conditions?Influenza does more than inflame the lungs — it can inflame the arteries, too. When the virus attacks, the immune system responds with inflammation. In people with existing plaque buildup in their arteries, this inflammation can weaken plaque stability, making it more likely to rupture. Once ruptured, the body reacts with clot formation, blocking blood flow and causing a heart attack.In some cases, the flu virus may also increase blood coagulation, further raising the risk of clot formation. “When people get influenza or the flu, it taxes your body and puts a lot of stress on all of the other systems,” explains Dr. Susan Rehm, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.The study, led by Dr. Annemarijn de Boer and conducted using data from 16 diagnostic labs across The Netherlands, confirms what many health professionals have long suspected. It found that patients who suffered a heart attack after getting the flu were at significantly higher risk of mortality with 35% dying within a year of their flu diagnosis.“While it isn’t clear from our results if those with less severe flu are also at risk, it is prudent for them to be aware of the link,” Dr. de Boer notes. The findings will be presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.How Can A Flu Shot Protect Against Potent Cardiac Condition?Perhaps the most actionable takeaway from this research is simple- get your flu shot. For years, influenza vaccination has been recommended primarily for its ability to reduce flu-related complications, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions.Now, cardiologists and infectious disease experts are urging people especially those with cardiovascular conditions to think of the flu vaccine as an indirect heart attack prevention tool.A study conducted by the Glasgow Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences found that heart attack patients who received the flu vaccine within 72 hours of their first event had a 50% lower risk of death from a subsequent heart attack. “Flu puts stress on your arteries and makes your blood thicker, so if you have heart disease, it could tip you over the threshold,” said Professor Naveed Sattar of the Institute.The data is clear: flu shots save more than just lungs — they may save hearts. Consultant cardiologist Professor Martin Cowie of the Royal Brompton Hospital supports this proactive approach. “This is interesting and could be relatively easy to implement in general practice,” he notes. With flu vaccine supplies already stocked by national health systems, including the NHS, implementing flu shots as part of post-heart attack care could be done swiftly and effectively.Long-Term Heart HealthWhile influenza vaccination is a crucial tool, long-term heart health requires broader lifestyle changes. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of heart attacks is primarily driven by modifiable risk factors: high-fat diets, inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity.One form of preventive care gaining renewed interest is cycling. A recent study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that individuals who cycle regularly especially for commuting or errands were 23% less likely to die prematurely. Just 130 minutes of cycling per week can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.As flu season approaches, getting vaccinated should be considered not just a personal choice but a cardiovascular strategy. The six-fold increase in heart attack risk following influenza infection is a sobering statistic — especially for those already living with heart disease.

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Forget Love, Remember This: Married People May Be More At Risk For Dementia, Says Study

Quick Stories

COVID Cases Rise In US, Trump Administration To Alter Vaccine Policy

Rise In Drug-Related Deaths Blamed For Increase In UK Mortality Rate

Influenza Raises Heart Attack Risk By 6X– Here's Another Reason To Get Your Flu Shot

Health Conditions A-Z

Study Reveals New Models To Help Doctors Distinguish Severe Pneumonia In Children

COVID Cases Rise In US, Trump Administration To Alter Vaccine Policy

Rise In Drug-Related Deaths Blamed For Increase In UK Mortality Rate