Myocarditis: Potentially serious outcome of Covid 19 Vaccination

According to Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) especially in male adolescents and young adults.

Usually symptoms appear within 7 days following the second dose of vaccination.

What is Myocarditis? 

Myocarditis is the inflammation of heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. This inflammation can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body.

In severe cases, myocarditis can cause blood clots to form. This could lead to serious conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and even cardiac arrest.

What to look out for after vaccination 

In Adults

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat (Palpitation)
• Fatigue 
• Swelling of legs, ankles and feet

In Children

• Fever
• Fainting episodes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid or abnormal heartbeats

Can a COVID-19 Infection Cause Myocarditis?

Researchers say there may be a link. Experts says there’s a small chance of myocarditis or other heart issues can result  from a COVID-19 infection. 

Assessment of suspected myocarditis or pericarditis

Initial investigations should include:

• Troponin level

• Chest Xray

• ECG

• Other tests for other differential diagnoses as clinically indicated.

Findings consistent with myocarditis are varied and may include:

• Elevated troponin

• ECG showing ST or T-wave abnormalities, premature atrial or ventricular complexes

• Abnormal echocardiogram or cardiac MRI.

Advice for people who experience myocarditis  followed by mRNA COVID-19 vaccination 

People who experience any symptoms especially within a week after vaccination should be referred to a cardiologist for further assessment and management, to investigate for possible causes other than vaccination, and for follow-up.

Most patients with myocarditis or pericarditis who received care responded well to rest and treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 

If you’ve had myocarditis, it’s best to avoid intense physical activities like sports for at least 3-6 months. Talk to your doctor before getting back to fitness routines or sports.

Patients can usually return to their normal daily activities after their symptoms resolves.

Follow-up is ongoing to determine long term outcomes.

Should I Still Get Vaccinated?

The benefits of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks in reducing hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 infections. 

CDC continues to recommend that everyone aged 12 years and older get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Experts are monitoring the side effects but need more research to know for sure what the causes and long-term effects might be.