In what could be a serious problem for heart patients, leading electro physiotherapist and interventional cardiologist Dr Balbir Singh suggested heart patients to be more cautious against the recent outbreak of swine flu. According to Dr. Singh, heart patients have a harder time when infected as compared to normal patients. Flu produces significant stress on the cardiovascular system like breathing difficulty, changes in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and even direct effects on the heart. All these factors make flu infections even more difficult, and ominous, especially for someone who has a heart ailment. Heart patients, who should be most cautious because they could face maximum risk owing to complications, are those with chronic conditions such as heart failure, or those with complex congenital heart disease who may not be able to bear any lung congestion.

“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,” adds Dr. Singh.

... contd.