Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle tissue Nature's faces/Science Source/Science Photo LibraryHeart inflammation caused by covid-19 vaccines has been a problem, particularly in younger people. However, a preliminary study shows that it is six times more common in those most severely affected to develop this condition after a coronavirus virus infection than after vaccination.Some cases of myocarditis (also known as myocarditis) have been reported in the last few months after the administration of Moderna and BioNTech vaccines by Pfizer/BioNTech. This has raised concerns in particular in the USA and Israel as these countries are leaders in vaccination of younger people.According to Alma Iacob, an Imperial College London student, the reaction is most common in boys and men under 30 years old after receiving their second dose. It usually occurs within 10 days. Many health organizations around the globe agree that vaccination has many benefits, even though there are risks.AdvertisementA study has been done in the US to determine how often myocarditis is caused by infection with coronavirus. Researchers looked at records from five percent of the US's healthcare organizations. Researchers found that myocarditis was most common in males between the ages of 12 and 17 within the first 12 months after the pandemic. This is a result of approximately 450 cases per million of covid-19 infections.According to the US Advisory Committee on Immunization practices, this compares with 67 cases per million of myocarditis in males the same age who received a second dose of a Pfizer/BioNTech/Moderna vaccine. Researchers added up cases from the first and second doses to get a total of 77 cases per thousand in this age group.Myocarditis in young men: 450 cases per million casesMendel Singer, a Case Western Reserve University researcher in Ohio, said that if youre concerned about heart inflammation, it is safer to get the vaccine.Myocarditis symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness, and palpitations. The symptoms can be mild enough to go unnoticed, or severe enough to cause permanent damage or death. Extreme forms of the disease are rare, and there have not been any fatalities after vaccinations in the US.Myocarditis is not understood. Although one theory suggests that myocarditis occurs when the immune system attacks your heart, this is not supported by any evidence. It is not known why it occurs more often in younger men.Iacob says mild cases can usually be treated with over-the counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Most people are able to recover in a matter of months. The flu, the flu vaccine, and certain medications are all possible triggers.There is a small risk of myocarditis following the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination. This is why the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has not yet recommended the vaccine. It is the only vaccine licensed in the UK for children 12 and older. Although some countries, such as the USA, allow teenagers to get vaccinated in their country, the JCVI stated that the vaccine is not recommended for use in the UK. The JCVI also said that younger people with weak immune systems or who are extremely vulnerable could be vaccinated.Iacob advises people who have had covid-19 or vaccinated to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of myocarditis. This includes chest pain that is sharp or burning, which can worsen when they change their position.
