A new ESC Clinical Consensus Statement published in the European Heart Journal highlights the essential role of vaccination in preventing cardiovascular events following viral and bacterial infections.
Influenza has long been known to increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, and can worsen heart failure. More recently, evidence has emerged that other respiratory infections are also linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This publication outlines how vaccinations can not only prevent infections but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly in susceptible individuals.
The statement reviews data on cardiovascular complications following infections such as pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus, describing the inflammatory mechanisms that may underlie these risks. It also summarises evidence demonstrating the protective effects of vaccination in reducing cardiovascular events, particularly in at-risk groups.
Clinical practice guidelines from the ESC and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) are presented, supporting vaccination against influenza and other common infections in patients with chronic coronary syndromes, including coronary artery disease, and in individuals with heart failure.
Serious adverse reactions to vaccines are very rare. The statement also discusses the risk of cardiovascular adverse events following vaccination, such as myocarditis, and outlines appropriate management strategies. It further provides guidance on which vaccines should be administered to patients with cardiovascular disease, the recommended timing, and considerations for vaccinating pregnant women and other vulnerable groups, including those with congenital heart disease or who have undergone heart transplantation.
Prevention is crucial to reducing the substantial burden of cardiovascular disease. The totality of the evidence indicates that vaccination should be a foundational pillar of preventive strategies, alongside other established measures.
Source: European Society of Cardiology
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References:
Heidecker B, Libby P, Vassiliou VS et al. (2025) Vaccination as a new form of cardiovascular prevention: a European Society of Cardiology clinical consensus statement: With the contribution of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC), and the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC. European Heart Journal.
