Swine flu brings more heart attacks, strokes: DAK (N)

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) led by Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan  on Monday said swine flu infection significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

“If you catch swine flu, you are at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke,” Dr Nisar said in a statement. 

   

Quoting a Canadian study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, Dr Nisar said people who get flu are six times more likely to have a heart attack in the first week of the illness. “The risk is particularly high among elderly and those with underlying heart conditions,” he said.

“The number of heart attacks and stroke patients in Kashmir doubles in winter and flu is a major factor,” he informed.

He said the risk is similar to the risk seen for other known risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking.

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