Evidence suggests a crucial role for vaccines in cardiovascular disease, mediated not only by disease prevention but also by immunomodulatory effects. This review attempts to briefly present the effects of pathogens and vaccines on the cardiovascular system and potential mechanisms for the development of vaccines against cardiovascular diseases per se. Current epidemiological evidence regarding vaccine effectiveness in different categories of heart disease is discussed, as well as current international guidelines' recommendations. In summary, cardiologists should strive to promote vaccination against specific pathogens with proven beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases.
Keywords: Vaccines; acute coronary syndromes; cardiovascular disease prevention; heart failure.
Copyright © 2019 Hellenic Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.