'Swine flu in heart patients ups risk of attacks'

Stating that Swine flu affects heart patients more severely than the rest, a leading cardiologist, Dr Balbir Singh has advised those suffering from Heart ailments to stay wary of the H1N1 virus.



It is factors like these that make the Swine flu more of a threat to the heart patients by making them more vulnerable to infections.

Since health complications occur mostly in heart patients with chronic conditions such as heart failure, or those with complex congenital heart disease who may not be able to bear any lung congestion, these are the people who should be extremely cautious.

Swine Flu: Complete Coverage

"As of now, there is absolutely no proof whatsoever which indicates that people with heart disease are more vulnerable or prone to catch swine flu than those who do not have any heart ailment. However, if heart disease patients do happen to catch it, the probability that they may have an acute cardiac event increases. Swine flu, or for that matter any other form of flu, is a case of acute inflammation and we have enough medical evidence that suggests that heart attacks generally take place during or immediately post such acute inflammations," says Dr Singh.

"It is always better that heart patients seek professional help, medical advice and treatment at the very first signs of flu. If any of the symptoms show up, or for that matter if they suspect strong exposure, it is better that they visit the doctor and take antiviral drugs besides having their heart condition assessed," advises Dr Singh.

Precautions to be taken by heart patients to prevent worsening of underlying chronic conditions:

• Every year get vaccinated for Influenza (flu), it reduces the risk of acute cardiac event (vaccination by injection and not live attenuated vaccine given as nasal spray - as recommended by American heart Association)

• If you are in an area where flu has not become an epidemic yet, frequent washing of hands with soap or sanitizer and keeping away from visibly sick people is advised

• If flu has attained epidemic proportions in your area, restrict movement out of the home and avoid public gatherings in particular

• If you wish to wear a face mask, make sure it covers nose and mouth and forms a tight seal around (N95 masks recommended)

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

• If any of the flu symptoms show on you, do not try any over-the-counter drug (may contain decongestants which heart patients should avoid) and consult the doctor immediately, remind the doctor of your heart disease, take antiviral drugs (work best if taken within two days of symptoms)

• Call for medical help immediately if you develop difficulty in breathing and this condition fails to improve in 3-4 days, or it worsens further especially after beginning to recover.