European experts advocate adult vaccination to prevent cardiovascular disease

Medical experts and health organizations in Europe are calling for increased investment and better coordination in adult vaccination programs to mitigate cardiovascular risks. The proposal emphasizes that immunization should be viewed as a complementary component of integral cardiovascular prevention rather than just a measure against infectious diseases.

Research indicates that certain infections, such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19, can trigger inflammatory responses that increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. For vulnerable populations with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure, these infections can lead to dehydration, fever, and increased cardiac demand, potentially causing severe clinical decompensation.

During a recent meeting organized by the Gaspar Casal Foundation, clinical cardiologists advocated for integrating flu vaccines into standard preventive strategies for heart patients. Experts suggested shifting from a model of merely recommending vaccines to actively prescribing them to ensure higher coverage and protection.