Should people with heart conditions take their COVID shot?
The novel coronavirus has impacted everyone equally. However, it has been more severe and dangerous for those with pre-existing chronic illnesses.
The combination of COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases have been proven dangerous in many ways. Occurrences of sudden deaths due to cardiac arrest post COVID was a matter of major concern in the second wave of coronavirus.
That said, it is extremely important that people with a history of heart diseases should get themselves vaccinated at all cost. So if you're a heart patient and are yet to receive your vaccines, here are a few things you should know.
How concerning is COVID-19 for heart patients?
People suffering with cardiovascular diseases have had it worst during this pandemic. Whether it comes to tackling COVID symptoms or managing post-COVID complications, heart patients have been living in constant fear of severe infections and sudden deaths. We witnessed a huge spike in the number of deaths due to cardiac arrest and stroke post COVID infections.
Although people continue to resort to myths and misconceptions around COVID vaccines, it is important for people with pre-existing chronic ailments to rise above it all and take your vaccine shot. Side-effects and doubts over vaccine efficacy may be your prior concern. However, COVID-19 infection is much more dangerous and should be the prime source of your worry.
Are vaccines safe for people with heart conditions?
Reports suggest that COVID vaccines are not only safe for people with heart conditions, but are also extremely important. Amid growing risks of emerging variants, where breakthrough infections have raised alarms, the most vulnerable in the society should get their shots as soon as possible.
As far as the safety is concerned, COVID vaccines are safe for all eligible age groups. The American Heart Association in a statement released earlier this year also urged everyone fitting the eligibility criteria to get their COVID vaccines. The statement read, “As a science-based organization committed to health equity, we are heartened that COVID-19 vaccines have been approved to protect individuals, their loved ones and their communities from the pandemic.”
"In particular, people with cardiovascular risk factors, heart disease, and heart attack and stroke survivors should get vaccinated as soon as possible because they are at much greater risk from the virus than they are from the vaccine,” it added.
Read more: Coronavirus mRNA vaccines and heart inflammation: What do we know so far
Do vaccine side effects differ for people with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases?
Post COVID vaccination, low grade fever, fatigue, headache and joint pain is common in everyone. A sore arm or pain in the injection site may also be experienced.
Whether you're a healthy person or someone with pre-existing heart ailment, the side effects from the vaccine may be the same in everyone. As a heart patient, your symptoms may not differ from anyone else'. However, it is always recommended to consult your doctor and also to keep a constant check post-vaccination.
Can COVID vaccines increase the risk of heart complications such as a stroke?
As of now, there have been no reports of increased risk of heart complications post-vaccination. People with chronic heart ailments are more at risk of stroke and cardiac arrest if they're exposed to coronavirus infections and are unvaccinated.
Since COVID vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalisation and severe infections, getting yourself vaccinated will only provide you with protection against the virus.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that due to the risk of severe or critical COVID-19, patients with heart disease receive their vaccination sooner than the general population.
Read more: Coronavirus: Why should patients get their heart checked post COVID-19?
Should people with a heart condition continue taking precautionary measures post-vaccination?
Yes! Whether you're healthy or a person with a heart condition, getting your COVID vaccine does not mean you're safe from contracting the virus. It should be noted that cases of breakthrough infections have increased in recent times, given the emergence of new variants.
That said, social distance, wearing a mask, maintaining proper hand hygiene and staying at home is extremely important.