World Pneumonia Day 2024: Did you know that lung infection can lead to heart attack? Experts list out dangers

Can lung infections lead to a risk of heart attacks? Sounds surprising, right? Well, pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation throughout the body. While pneumonia is primarily known as a lung infection, its impact extends far beyond the respiratory health, influencing the overall health.?

Every year, November 12, is observed as World Pneumonia Day and the day serves as a global reminder of the deadly toll pneumonia continues to take on millions of lives across the globe. The inflammation caused by pneumonia can lead to other complications, including an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.?

According to research conducted by The American Heart Association Journals (AHA), the inflammation caused by pneumonia is left unregulated and this exacerbates the atherosclerotic vascular disease. The process ultimately leads to adverse cardiac events such as myocardial infarction. As we raise awareness on World Pneumonia Day, it is imperative to recognise the importance of comprehensive care that protects both the heart and the lungs.?

Let’s understand from our experts—how pneumonia impacts heart health.?

The link between pneumonia and heart attacks often goes unnoticed?

Whenever we talk about pneumonia, we always think that it is linked to a serious lung infection, but one connection that often goes unnoticed is the link between pneumonia and heart attack. The relationship between pneumonia and heart attack risk has become a critical focus in health research.?

Explaining the same in detail, Dr. Shrey Srivastav, Senior Consultant - Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida, decodes, “Pneumonia places considerable strain on the cardiovascular system as the body works to combat infection. This increased demand on the heart, combined with lower oxygen levels due to inflamed lungs, can stress the heart and exacerbate underlying cardiac conditions.”?

Studies published in AHA suggest that during a severe pneumonia infection, inflammatory markers increase, which can destabilise plaque in the arteries, increasing the chance of a heart attack. Moreover, pneumonia-related fever and dehydration can lead to thicker blood, which heightens clotting risks. Thus, “understanding this connection can encourage more proactive heart health screening and vaccination for at-risk groups, aiming to reduce both pneumonia cases and associated cardiac complications,” says Dr. Srivastav.?

Rise in heart attack cases in India?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognised as the leading cause of death globally. According to a Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 report, published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the global death count due to heart disease has increased from 12.4 million in 1990 to 19.8 million in 2022.?

A Lancet study of 2023 showed that around one-quarter of patients who were admitted to the hospital with pneumonia experienced an acute cardiac event during their hospitalisation. The estimated number stands at 60% in terms of short-term mortality.?

“The link between pneumonia and cardiovascular disease is bidirectional: one who is at risk of heart disease can raise the risk of developing pneumonia, while similarly, pneumonia also raises one's risk of developing heart disease,” says Dr. Akash Shah, Consultant Pathologist, Neuberg Diagnostics, Ahmedabad.?

How does pneumonia cause inflammation that leads to heart attacks??

Pneumonia, a respiratory infection that inflames air sacs in the lungs, has been found to increase the risk of heart attacks, especially in older adults. But how does pneumonia cause inflammation that directly impacts the heart? Dr. Shah explains, “When pneumonia occurs, it triggers a systemic inflammatory response, releasing cytokines and other molecules that can have widespread effects on the body. This inflammation affects the blood vessels and can promote blood clot formation, which is a significant risk factor for heart attacks.”?

“Additionally, the stress pneumonia puts on the body can raise heart rate and blood pressure, placing extra strain on the cardiovascular system. For those with pre-existing heart conditions, this added stress can increase the likelihood of a heart attack during or shortly after a pneumonia infection,” he adds.?

?These findings highlight the importance of pneumonia prevention, such as vaccines, especially for those with cardiovascular risks.?

The next time you have a persistent cold, please pay attention to your heart health too.? ??

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