Deaths and hospitalizations for heart disease and stroke increase more than 50% in winter. Why? Most people blame holiday stress, cold weather and the exertion of snow shoveling, but according to experts there are other reasons too. The short days and long nights are thought to throw heart-related hormones out of whack. Keeping resolutions to exercise and exercising with gusto may be overtaxing to hearts comfortable with sedentary lifestyles. Before beginning any exercise program it is very important to be evaluated by a physician.
A new theory suggests a link between heart disease, strokes, and the flu. The plaque that builds up in artery walls tend to become inflamed when a viral infection attacks the body, then making it more likely to rupture and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Exactly if or how the flu shot may protect against first heart attack and stroke is not clear yet. In studies it has been demonstrated that the earlier in the flu season that participants got the flu shot, the lower their risk for first heart attack or stroke. While the study showed that earlier is better, it is never too late to get the flu shot. (The pneumonia vaccine, however, did not provide protection against heart disease)
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