COVID-19 Vaccine: How Common Are Heart Issues After Doses? New Studies Find Results

Two studies published Monday concluded that the risk of heart inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination is quite low.

A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation found that two in every 1,000 people hospitalized due to COVID-19 experienced myocarditis, or heart inflammation.

“We have much to learn about the pathology of this disease but have gained some ground on the treatment of COVID-19,” the authors of the study wrote. “While COVID-19 is a virus that predominantly leads to acute respiratory illness, there has been a small group of individuals who also experience cardiac complications.”

Another study published Monday in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine Commission also found that the risk of myocarditis following COVID vaccination is low. Researchers analyzed 22 previous studies dating back to 1947 and compared the risks of heart inflammation from COVID vaccines with other vaccines. It was concluded that the chances of developing conditions like myocarditis in those who got a COVID vaccine didn't differ greatly from those who got other vaccines, such as those against flu and polio.

“The overall risk of myopericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is low,” the authors of the study wrote. “Globally, more than 10 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered as of March 2022. The side-effects of vaccination are usually mild and self-limiting.” Researchers did clarify, however, that “younger males have an increased incidence of myopericarditis, particularly after receiving mRNA vaccines.”

In February, the Centers for Disease Control discussed the potential implications of both Pfizer and Moderna’s shots. It found that while risks with both are much smaller than the benefits they provide, Moderna’s two-dose COVID-19 vaccine is associated with a higher risk of heart inflammation than Pfizer’s.