We are just about at the 3-year marker from the start of the pandemic in March of 2023. It has taken some time to see the results and gather data on how the coronavirus as well as potentially the vaccines for Covid-19 are playing out in society.

A Look at The Stats

COVID-19 survivors are now associated with increased risks of clots, cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, arrhythmia-related disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, and inflammatory heart disease, such as myocarditis.

The findings

The risk of incidental cardiovascular diseases is substantially higher in COVID-19 survivors than in those who have never had Covid.

The Vaccine

Data from multiple studies show a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis and pericarditis following the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as well. A study in Nature Cardiovascular Research suggested that a small percentage of patients vaccinated against COVID-19 may develop postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

The COVID-19 virus can damage multiple organs, including:

• Brain
• Heart
• Lungs

This can lead to severe neurological, heart , and other long-term health complications.

What to Do

If you have had covid-19 (any strain) or if you have been vaccinated and or boosted, it is a wise idea to see your physician and do a complete physical yearly. Additionally, it would also be beneficial to see a cardiologist to check in on the state of your heart and cardiovascular system.

Many people during a Covid infection report feeling like their hearts and lungs are weak. That they have little to no energy, their chest may feel heavy, and it may be difficult to breathe. All of these can be signs of potential damage that should be checked out once you are feeling better and no longer contagious.

We are just beginning to be able to study long-term effects as enough time has now passed. More will be known as time moves on. In the meantime, if you have had covid or been vaccinated it is important to pay attention to your heart health.

Give the office of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates a call to schedule your consultation at 813-975-2800. You can also visit us on the web at www.tampacardio.com to learn more about our practice.

 

Sources: Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in COVID-19 survivors among non-vaccinated population: A retrospective cohort study from the TriNetX US collaborative networks – eClinicalMedicine (thelancet.com)

You asked, we answered: Do the COVID-19 vaccines cause blood clots or heart problems? | Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE

COVID Infection, Vaccination Linked to Heart Condition (cedars-sinai.org)