Pneumonia is the result of bacteria entering your lungs and causing infection… It’s scary enough on its own.

But new research reveals it’s even worse than we thought.

Pneumonia can inflame your heart. It may increase your odds of facing cardiovascular disease. And the older you are… The greater your risk.

Researchers tested cardiovascular health effects on 1,200 pneumonia patients. They divided the participants into two groups: 45-64 and 65 and older.

The younger patients had a 2.5 times greater risk of developing heart disease in the first 90 days after leaving the hospital. The risk decreased after that… But it wasn’t not until two years later that it went away for good.1

Then there’s the older group…

They were four times more likely to develop heart disease than people without a pneumonia within a month of their hospital discharge. That’s double the risk the younger group. And unlike the younger patients, they were still at major risk 10 years later. Over a third of these pneumonia patients had a cardiovascular event—like a heart attack—within that time.

One doctor suggests pneumonia causes inflammation that spreads to your heart and blood vessels.2 And it makes perfect sense.

Thankfully, there are natural ways to lower your pneumonia risk. Vitamin C is famous for boosting immunity. And it helps prevent pneumonia by up to 80%.3 This vitamin also reduces inflammation in your chest. That makes you less vulnerable to pneumonia.4 You can get a major dose of vitamin C from eating organic oranges, papayas, and pineapples.5

You can also take a vitamin C supplement. Go for the liposomal version. It uses fat for better absorption. You may not see it at your local health store. But it’s easy to find online. Just be sure to get one that doesn’t use soy.

Another solution is to eat more dark leafy greens. They also fight inflammation and prevent pneumonia.6 Kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts are great choices for reducing—and stopping—inflammation.7

Minerals like Zinc can help too. Studies show zinc reduces pneumonia risk by up to 41%.8

Bottom line: Avoiding pneumonia may help keep you from facing heart disease as you get older. So do your best to protect yourself.

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References:
1http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2091304
2http://www.philly.com/philly/health/hearthealth/HealthDay695643_20150120_Pneumonia_Raises_Heart_Disease_Risk_for_Years__Study.html
3http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17253561
4http://www.livestrong.com/article/29043-asthma-cause-pneumonia/
5http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=109
6http://www.bustle.com/articles/58094-10-anti-inflammatory-foods-that-are-ridiculously-good-for-your-health-and-surprisingly-delicious/page/1
7http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20705881_4,00.html
8http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21154362?dopt=Abstract