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As efforts to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates in the United States progress, one of the side effects that are gaining attention is a type of inflammation of the heart muscle called myocarditis.
What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis is a condition in which your heart muscle, called the myocardium, becomes inflamed. It affects your heart’s electrical signal and can cause a fast or abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). It can also affect your heart’s ability to pump blood and circulate oxygen.
What are the causes ?
It is usually the result of a viral infection or a drug reaction. It can happen to anyone, including adults, children and infants. In fact, it’s more likely to affect people under the age of 30 who are otherwise healthy. It affects twice as many men as women.
What are the symptoms?
Myocarditis can range from mild to severe. It also affects children differently.
In mild cases, symptoms may include:
In severe cases, you may notice:
Other symptoms may be part of a viral infection that is causing your myocarditis, such as a headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, sore throat, or diarrhea.
Symptoms of myocarditis in children include:
- Fever
- Fainting episodes
- A hard time to breathe
- Rapid breathing
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. If it is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Can COVID-19 vaccine cause heart inflammation?
Yes, but experts don’t know what the connection is. Only about 1,000 people have developed vaccine-related myocarditis.
So far, myocarditis seems to occur:
- In adolescents and young adult males 16 years of age or older
- After the second dose of one of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
- A few days after receiving the vaccine
Most people who got it recovered quickly after receiving treatment and some rest. Experts are watching for side effects, but need more research to be sure what the long-term causes and effects could be.
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Is it safe for you or your child to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. The CDC recommends that people 12 and older receive one of the available COVID-19 vaccines. The benefits of the vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 far outweigh the risks.
The vaccine can protect you from serious complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization, and even death. Getting vaccinated is the best option available to protect yourself and your family against the virus and its variants.
If you have any concerns about getting vaccinated against COVID-19, talk to your doctor.
Can COVID-19 infection cause myocarditis?
Researchers say there may be a link. One study tested more than 19,378 college athletes for COVID-19 infection. Some 3,000 have tested positive for COVID. About 2,800 had heart tests and only 21 had heart problems. Almost everyone who did have made a full recovery. Experts say there is a low risk of myocarditis or other heart problems from COVID-19 infection.
How is it diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is essential for proper treatment, full recovery, and to prevent long-term heart problems. Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. They may also perform lab and imaging tests to confirm the severity of the disease. These may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). It is a test to check your heart’s electrical signals and heart rate.
- Pulmonary radiography
- MRI. This test uses magnets to create images of your interior.
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to detect if your heart muscle has become inflamed and if it is working properly.
- Blood tests
What are the treatment options for myocarditis?
Usually the myocarditis gets better on its own and you make a full recovery. In rare cases, you may need treatments like corticosteroids. Antiviral drugs are available, but research shows they are not that effective. If severe myocarditis is causing heart problems, your doctor will treat them.
If you have had myocarditis, it is best to avoid strenuous physical activity such as exercising for at least 3 to 6 months. Talk to your doctor before resuming your physical activities or sports.
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When should you see a doctor?
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, be on the lookout for side effects for up to a week after each dose. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience sharp chest pain, a pounding heartbeat, or persistent heartbeat.
If you notice any symptoms of myocarditis or signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, or wheezing after receiving the vaccine, tell your doctor or see a doctor immediately.
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