Study confirms flu increases risk of heart attack in elderly
NEW YORK (AP) — As if the flu wasn't bad enough already: Researchers have confirmed that flu sharply increases the risk of heart attack for older people.
Doctors have long known that flu can trigger heart problems. It's one of the reasons flu shots are recommended for nearly everyone.
A new Canadian study found that risk was six times higher in the first week after flu is diagnosed, compared to the year before and after the bug hits. Unlike previous studies, the researchers used lab tests to make sure people suspected of having the flu really did.
"It's a much more rigorous study that allows us to make a much more specific link between flu infection and heart issues," said Richard Webby, a prominent flu researcher at St.