Things Physicians should know for Immunisation of Cardiac patients - Dr Mohit Bhutani

Safe vaccination procedures are essential for heart patients to avoid complications and guarantee the best possible health results.

To reduce risks and optimise benefits, doctors need to be mindful of certain factors while administering vaccinations to patients who have cardiac issues. Physicians should be aware of the following important information:

1. Consultation with a cardiologist: To evaluate the patient's present cardiac status and ascertain the suitability of vaccination, a cardiologist consultation is required before providing any vaccines to cardiac patients. Patients who suffer from certain cardiac disorders, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or congenital heart disease, may require special attention.

2. Immunisation schedule: For patients with heart conditions, particularly those undergoing heart surgery or treatments, the immunisation schedule is very important. To reduce the possibility of adverse reactions or complications following immunisation, it is generally advised to give vaccinations at least two weeks before elective surgeries.

3. Vaccine selection: Some vaccines, such as live attenuated vaccines like the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, may put cardiac patients at greater risk. Since inactivated vaccines cannot potentially infect immunocompromised individuals, they are generally recommended for use in cardiac patients.

4. Keeping an eye out for bad responses: Patients with heart conditions may be more susceptible to vaccination-related side effects, such as fever, malaise, or localised reactions at the injection site. Following immunisation, doctors should continuously monitor their patients and treat any adverse reactions with the proper care.

5. Particular considerations for particular cardiac problems: When receiving immunisations, patients with specific cardiac conditions may need to take extra precautions. Patients with heart failure, for instance, would require closer observation in case of fluid overload or exacerbation of symptoms following immunisation. Extra considerations may be necessary for patients with congenital heart disease to avoid infective endocarditis.

Particulars to Take Into Account for Heart Conditions

• Heart Illness

Respiratory infection problems are more common in patients with heart failure. For this population, vaccinations against pneumococcal illness and influenza are very crucial in preventing heart failure flare-ups.

• Implantable Heart Equipment

There is no proof that immunisations have a negative impact on the functionality of implanted cardiac devices, including defibrillators or pacemakers. However, patients who develop palpitations or other symptoms after vaccination may benefit from temporary monitoring.

• Anticoagulant Treatment

Intramuscular vaccinations must be carefully administered to patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prudent procedures include using a fine-gauge needle, exerting strong pressure after injection, and keeping an eye out for hematoma symptoms.

6. Recognising the Value of Immunisations:

• Influenza Shot

Acute cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and respiratory problems, can be triggered by influenza, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Research has indicated that influenza vaccination is linked to a decreased risk of significant adverse cardiovascular events among individuals with coronary heart disease. As part of the therapy of cardiovascular illness, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) strongly advise vaccinating against influenza yearly.

• Pneumococcal Immunisation

Meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumococcal pneumonia are among the disorders resulting from pneumococcal infections, which can be especially serious in those with cardiovascular disease. Adults with cardiovascular illness are advised to have the pneumococcal vaccination to protect against these dangerous and often lethal infections.

• COVID-19 Immunisation

With higher rates of morbidity and mortality, the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the vulnerabilities of people with underlying cardiovascular disorders. For cardiac patients, vaccination against COVID-19 is highly advised to lower their risk of serious disease, hospitalisation, and even death.

• Tdap and Other Immunisations

For general health, it's critical to maintain protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). Furthermore, immunisations against hepatitis B, herpes zoster (shingles), and other illnesses must be considered according to each person's unique risk factors, including age, health history, and way of life.

7. Patient communication: It's critical for doctors to address any worries or misconceptions that cardiac patients may have while also explaining to them the significance of vaccinations. Making educated decisions about their health can be facilitated by giving patients comprehensive information about the advantages of vaccinations and any possible hazards.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.