COVID-19 Vaccines and Heart Attacks: What You Really Need to Know
COVID-19 vaccines are overwhelmingly safe, with far lower heart risks than the infection itself.
Recent reports of sudden cardiac deaths, particularly in Karnataka's Hassan district where 23 people died of heart attacks within 40 days, have stirred public concern over a possible link between COVID-19 vaccines and heart complications. However, health experts and investigations by ICMR and AIIMS have found no evidence directly connecting these heart attacks to the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Dr. Basavaraj Utagi, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital, 'COVID-19 infection itself carries a far greater risk of heart-related issues than the vaccine. Inflammation of the heart muscle, or myocarditis, is much more likely after infection than after vaccination."
While global health agencies, including the U.S. FDA, have acknowledged rare cases of myocarditis particularly in young men following mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna, these incidents remain extremely uncommon. Most cases are mild and resolve with minimal treatment. As a precaution, the FDA has mandated updated labeling to reflect these risks, promoting transparency rather than alarm.
Dr. Jeffrey Carstens, Cardiovascular Medical Director, UnityPoint Health, echoes this perspective: 'Yes, myocarditis after vaccination can happen, but it's very rare and generally not severe. On the other hand, COVID-19 infection can trigger dangerous inflammation that leads to heart attacks, arrhythmias, or heart failure."
In fact, several studies show that COVID-19 vaccines may actually reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A UK-based study found that vaccinated individuals had a lower incidence of arterial blockages, while Mount Sinai researchers observed fewer major cardiac events among vaccinated COVID patients.
COVID-19 vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and remain a critical shield especially for older adults and those with existing health issues. The risk of severe heart problems is far greater from COVID infection than from the vaccine itself. If you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath post-vaccination, seek medical advice—but know that such cases are rare.
In the debate between fear and fact, science continues to back the vaccine.
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Hindustan Times
28 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Sudden heart-attack related deaths in Karnataka's Hassan touch 22, most victims under 45
A sudden surge in heart attack-related deaths in Karnataka's Hassan district has raised public health concerns, with 22 people dying over the past 40 days, many of them under the age of 45. The deaths, reported from various parts of the district, include students, homemakers, teachers, and government employees. Karnataka's Hassan saw raise in heart attacks(Pexels) Also Read - Bengaluru's Yellow Line Metro to open in early August, PM Modi likely to attend the launch event: Report On June 30, four more individuals died of suspected cardiac arrest. The victims included Lepakshi (50), a homemaker from Belur, who collapsed after feeling fatigued; Professor Muttayya (58), an English lecturer from Holenarasipura, who died while having tea, Kumar (57), a D-group employee from Channarayapatna, who had been admitted to hospital with chest pain; and Satyanarayana Rao (63) from Rangolihalli, who collapsed suddenly. Of the 22 reported deaths, five victims were aged between 19 and 25, and eight between 25 and 45, raising concerns about the growing incidence of heart-related issues among younger populations. Only a few victims were above 60. In response, Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari has constituted a six-member medical committee, including the District Health Officer, the Director of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), and senior cardiologists, to investigate the causes. The committee has been directed to submit a report within a week. 'We are treating this as a priority health issue. While some deaths appear cardiac-related, conclusive medical evidence is still pending,' said Dr. Rajanna B, Director of HIMS. Also Read - Ferrari seized in Bengaluru over unpaid road tax, owner pays ₹1.41 crore after RTO action: Report Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also acknowledged the rising number of sudden deaths in Hassan. Speaking earlier this week, he said the government has taken the matter seriously and ordered a broader state-level study on sudden cardiac deaths, particularly among the youth. The state has already formed a separate expert panel under Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, to examine the causes of such deaths across Karnataka. The panel will also explore whether post-COVID complications or vaccine-related side effects could be contributing factors. 'There have been over 20 such deaths in Hassan in just one month. We are not blaming anyone, but it is our duty to scientifically understand what is happening,' Siddaramaiah said, urging people to seek immediate medical help if they experience symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness. (With ANI inputs)
Hindustan Times
29 minutes ago
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'My comments were in haste', says Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw after CM Siddaramaiah's clarification
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Covid Vaccine and sudden heart attacks: Delhi AIIMS says no connection
The Covid 19 pandemic was a mayhem that gripped the world from 2020 to 2022, resulting in millions of deaths. India specifically saw a deadly second wave from March 2021 to June 2021, resulting in many deaths, lack of oxygen tanks and beds. However, a glimmer of hope appeared with the Covid vaccine, which, even though did not give complete immunity against the virus, made the ailment much less severe. Of late, there have been talks about the vaccine's long term effects on health, in particular cardiac health, as more and more young Indians are dying of "sudden" heart attacks. However, recently, doctors and researchers at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have addressed these concerns. Their studies show there is no clear link between Covid vaccines and sudden cardiac arrest deaths in India. What started the worry After the Covid-19 vaccination, and even till now, some cases of young people dying suddenly from heart attacks or cardiac arrest were reported. These incidents led to fear and speculation that the vaccine might be causing these deaths. Social media posts and public figures added to the confusion, making many people anxious about vaccine safety, which was being seen as a precursor to cardiac events. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo What Did AIIMS Delhi Study AIIMS Delhi, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), launched a detailed study to find out if there was any connection between Covid vaccines and sudden cardiac deaths. The study focused on adults aged 18 to 45, a group where some of these sudden deaths were reported. How was the study carried out Researchers examined over 300 cases of sudden, unexplained deaths. Post-mortems were conducted to find the real cause of death. The study included people who had received one or more doses of the Covid vaccine. What Did the Results Show The main finding was on these lines: there is no evidence that Covid vaccines increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack deaths. Most of the sudden deaths were linked to coronary artery disease (CHD), which is often caused by poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress. Some deaths were due to genetic factors or pre-existing health conditions. The pattern of sudden deaths after vaccination was similar to what was seen before the pandemic. What Do the Experts Say Doctors at AIIMS Delhi have strongly stated that the benefits of Covid vaccines far outweigh any risks. Dr. Sanjay Rai, Professor of Community Medicine at AIIMS, explained that while every vaccine or medicine carries some risk, the overall benefit of vaccination in saving lives during the pandemic was huge. Dr. Karan Madan, Associate Professor at AIIMS, said, 'Covid vaccines were effective and played a crucial role in reducing mortality. A study was done on sudden cardiac deaths to review the vaccines used so far, but no clear association was found with sudden cardiac deaths'. Dr. Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS, also pointed out that heart attacks in young people is more likely due to lifestyle, genetics, and other health issues, not the vaccine. What About Other Studies The findings from AIIMS Delhi are supported by other major studies in India: The ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology conducted a large study across 47 hospitals in 19 states. It found no link between Covid vaccination and sudden unexplained deaths among adults. The Union Health Ministry and the Serum Institute of India (maker of Covishield) have also confirmed that the vaccines are safe and scientifically validated. Why do sudden cardiac arrests happen Sudden cardiac arrest can occur for many reasons, including Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries) Genetic factors (family history of heart disease) Unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol which over years weaknes the heart) Pre-existing health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure) Stress and obesity What should one do: Regardless of this breather, one should take care of your heart health. For this Exercise often Consume heart healthy foods Keep your BP under check Quit smoking/reduce alcohol Ditch the junk Lose weight, if you are overweight Get yourself tested every year Sources AIIMS The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Union Health Ministry
