It's Medical Monday!

Flu Season, the Heart, and… Myocarditis?!

It’s flu season, cue the tissues, soup, and cozy blankets.

But here’s something you may not know: the flu doesn’t just mess with your nose and lungs. In rare cases, it can also affect your heart.

The flu virus can sometimes cause a condition called myocarditis. Let’s dive in and connect this to why it matters even more if you have aortic disease.

Can the Flu Really Affect the Heart?

Yes! While most people only deal with the usual aches, fevers, and sniffles, the flu virus can sometimes spread to the heart and cause inflammation. This condition, called myocarditis, makes it harder for the heart muscle to pump blood effectively.

What Exactly Is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis = Myo (muscle) + card (heart) + itis (inflammation). It literally means inflammation of the heart muscle, usually triggered by an infection like the flu.

Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Shortness of breath

• Extreme fatigue

• Irregular heartbeat

• Swelling in the legs or ankles

Why Does This Matter for People With Aortic Disease?

If you have an aortic aneurysm, dissection history, or bicuspid aortic valve disease, the flu can place extra stress on your heart and aorta.

Here’s why:

• Inflammation + fever can raise blood pressure and heart rate, both of which put additional strain on the aorta.

• If myocarditis weakens the heart, it can worsen existing problems like aortic valve leakage or heart failure.

• Any infection, including the flu, can complicate surgical recovery for people who have had aortic repair or valve surgery.

  
  

Sam's Summary

Catching the flu could add risk for people with aortic disease.

• Get your flu shot

• Practice good hygiene (handwashing, masks in crowded places)

• Rest and hydrate, don’t push yourself if you get sick.

• Call your doctor promptly if you notice chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or trouble breathing

Prevention is your best defense: protect your heart, protect your aorta, and give yourself the care you deserve.

Have a great week,

Samantha