As Mardi Gras crowds fill the city and respiratory illnesses circulate, doctors are tracking another troubling trend; a rise in heart-related emergencies.
According to infectious disease specialist MarkAlain Déry, hospitals are seeing a noticeable increase in heart attacks and strokes in recent weeks and emerging research suggests it may be connected to flu and other respiratory infections.
“We’ve seen a significant uptick in heart-related visits over the last couple of weeks, both heart attacks and strokes,” Déry said. “And that lines up with research now showing that risk increases after exposure to flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses.”
Louisiana has ranked high this season for flu and respiratory infections, and Déry says that makes the pattern even more concerning though not entirely surprising.
“The numbers are concerning, but they do track with what the research is showing,” he said. “After a respiratory infection, inflammation and stress on the body can raise cardiovascular risk.”
He says people with co-occurring conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or prior heart disease, should be especially cautious and aware of symptoms in themselves and loved ones.
“Stay aware of your body and warning signs, and check in on those around you who may be more vulnerable,” Déry said.
Doctors are also watching how case numbers shift as Mardi Gras visitors head home and overall infection patterns become clearer. Vaccination, he adds, remains an important protective tool, not just against severe illness, but secondary complications.
“Research shows vaccination helps reduce the risk of heart complications that can follow respiratory infections,” he said. “That protection matters.”
Another key finding: elevated cardiovascular risk after a serious respiratory infection may last longer than many people think.
“Some studies suggest people can remain in a higher risk window for up to five years after exposure,” Déry said.
His bottom line this Carnival season: enjoy the festivities, but don’t ignore your health signals.