Researchers in Canada have found that the influenza vaccination reduces the risk of a major cardiac event by 50 per cent.

The results of the study also showed a flu jab had a beneficial impact in people with existing heart disease.

Cardiologist Dr Jacob Udell carried out his  study with a team from the TIMI Study Group and Network for Innovation in Clinical Research.   Udell and his team looked at published clinical trials on the subject dating back to the 1960s, and they examined the records of a total of 3,227 patients.
Dr Udell said of the study -
"For those who had the  flu shot, there was a pretty strong risk reduction."
The findings were presented at the 2012 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Toronto.

Ellen Mason, the British Heart Foundation's Senior Cardiac Nurse, said:
“It’s still unclear exactly why the flu jab may hold extra heart health benefits. What is crystal clear is that the vaccine is hugely important to many people, including those with heart disease.
Flu can make people with chronic heart disease very ill so that group of patients should always take advantage of their eligibility for an annual flu jab."

Source;   BHF   ; Canadian Cardiovascular Congress