Most of us finished our vaccines in childhood and never thought about them again. So it surprises many patients when a cardiologist asks, “Have you had your flu shot?”
At the ACVS India 2026 press meet, Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar highlighted adult vaccination as part of protecting the heart, alongside stents, valves and medicines.
Quick takeaways
- Viral and chest infections can raise the risk of heart problems.
- Studies link adult vaccination with fewer heart-related events.
- People with weak heart pumping or a past heart attack may benefit the most.
- Your doctor can tell you which vaccines suit you.
How can an infection affect the heart?
Cholesterol plaques inside the arteries can become inflamed during an infection. An inflamed plaque is more likely to rupture, and a rupture can cause a clot and a heart attack. A high fever and a chest infection also make the heart work harder, which matters when it is already weak.
Which vaccines should you ask about?
| Vaccine | What it helps prevent | Worth asking if |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Seasonal flu | You have heart disease, usually once a year |
| Pneumococcal | Pneumonia and related infections | You have heart disease, weak pumping or a past heart attack |
| Shingles | Painful shingles | You are an older adult |
| COVID-19 | COVID-19 illness | Follow current guidance from your doctor |
Who should take this most seriously?
- People who have had a heart attack
- People with heart failure or reduced pumping
- People with stents, bypass or valve procedures
- Older adults and people with diabetes
Make it part of your follow-up
At your next cardiology visit, take your vaccination record and ask: “Which vaccines do I need, and when?”
Vaccines add to treatment. They do not replace it
Keep taking your blood thinners and cholesterol medicines as prescribed, and continue with healthy habits and regular check-ups.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to get vaccinated if I take blood thinners?
Often yes, but tell the person giving the injection and check with your doctor first.
Will a vaccine stop me from having a heart attack?
No vaccine can promise that. It lowers the risk from infections, which is one part of overall protection.
Have a question about your heart?
Dr. A. Sreenivas Kumar is a Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Director of Cardiology and Clinical Research at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. If you have symptoms or risk factors, book a consultation rather than waiting for them to get worse.
This article is for general education and is adapted from Dr. Kumar’s public talks at the ACVS India 2026 press meet. It does not replace medical advice for your own condition. Please do not start or stop any medicine without speaking to your doctor.