Consensus Document on the Role of Adult Vaccination in the Prevention of CardiovascularEvents

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among adults in Argentina and worldwide.Evidence consistently shows that infections—particularly respiratory ones—raise the risk of cardiovascular events, stroke, arrhythmias, and mortality.The main mechanisms involve systemic inflammation, immune activation, endothelial dysfunction, prothrombotic states, sympathetic stimulation, and increased myocardial oxygen demand.In respiratory infections, hypoxemia and impaired gas exchange further aggravate outcomes.These processes may trigger new cardiovascular events or worsen preexisting conditions such as ischemic heart disease or heart failure. Vaccines against influenza, pneumococcus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and herpes zoster are safe in adults, including those with cardiovascular disease or risk factors. They substantially reduce infection-related cardiovascular complications, with influenza vaccination proven safe even when given during acute myocardial infarction. Nonetheless, vaccination rates remain suboptimal among cardiovascular patients in Argentina and Latin America. This consensus underscores vaccines as a safe, cost-effective preventive tool and outlines recommendations to improve coverage and reduce residual risk.