Benefits and Harms of COVID-19 Vaccines in Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) who contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tend to have a worse prognosis and more severe cardiovascular side effects. COVID-19 vaccines, which are intended to prevent COVID-19, may also potentially reduce the severity and complications (including cardiovascular sequelae) of COVID-19, especially in patients with a history of CVD. However, there have also been reports of cardiovascular side effects from COVID-19 vaccines of various brands and types. The purpose of this study is to review the benefits and harms of COVID-19 vaccines in relation to CVD. In this thorough review of the most current evidence on the benefits and harms of COVID-19 vaccines, we present information about the characteristics of cardiovascular complications. Most of the evidence focuses on myocarditis or pericarditis, which are most strongly associated with mRNA vaccines and predominantly occur in young males within days of receiving the second dose. Meanwhile, post-vaccination myocardial infarction is more common in older males, and the first dose of adenoviral vector vaccines appears to play a greater role in this complication. This information may guide us in formulating alternative options and implementing targeted surveillance. Gaining more knowledge about the potential benefits and harms of COVID-19 vaccines will improve our ability to make informed decisions and judgments about the balance of these factors.

Association between Reactogenicity and Immunogenicity in a Vaccinated Cohort with Two mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines at a High-Complexity Reference Hospital: A Post Hoc Analysis on Immunology Aspects of a Prospective Cohort Study

“…Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarctions, strokes, embolism, and others have been studied, and while some studies have suggested increased reporting rates of these events [ 41 , 42 ], others have not found such an association [ 36 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ]. While some authors have previously suggested that mRNA vaccines have been associated with increased reports of adverse cardiovascular reactions than other types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, it is true that the strongest association remains thus far with myocarditis and pericarditis, and the evidence regarding the association of SARs-CoV-2 vaccines with cardiovascular outcomes still remains to be elucidated [ 48 ]. In our previous VigilVacCOVID study, we detected some cases of syncope, hypertension, hypotension, chest pain, cold sweat, and tachycardia as unsolicited ARs; similar findings were previously reported as potential cardiovascular adverse effects in other studies [ 41 ].…”

COVID-19 vaccination and major cardiovascular and haematological adverse events in Abu Dhabi: retrospective cohort study

“…While these vaccines have proven their efficacy in clinical trials, many case reports and studies have reported increased risk of different cardiovascular and haematological (CVDH) adverse events such as thrombocytopenia, venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction and stroke for multiple types of vaccines used globally 11 – 13 . There is limited evidence on the safety profile of these vaccines in real-world setting at a regional population level for risk of major CVDH events 14 . In addition, the ethnic diversity in the resident population and high vaccination rates in Abu Dhabi provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the safety profile of these vaccines in a diverse population in addition to providing important regional data 15 .…”