Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke Drops After COVID-19 Vaccination, Data Show

Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke Drops After COVID-19 Vaccination, Data Show

A recent study involving 46 million adults in England has revealed a significant reduction in the incidence of heart attacks and strokes following COVID-19 vaccination. The research, which provides strong evidence of the cardiovascular benefits of COVID-19 vaccines, compared the rates of these events before and after vaccination, and in individuals who were not vaccinated.

 

The study, conducted by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre at Health Data Research UK, analyzed de-identified health records from December 8, 2020, to January 23, 2022. During this period, 90% of UK adults received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including those from Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. Among the study participants, 37.3 million individuals received their first dose and were eligible for the second dose during the study period.

 

Cardiovascular Benefits Observed

 

The findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a notable decline in the incidence of common cardiovascular diseases. However, the study also noted a slight increase in rates of myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA-based vaccines and vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia following adenovirus-based vaccines like AstraZeneca.

 

Patients experienced 5,655 arterial and 21,230 venous thrombotic events during the study. Less frequent cardiac events included 1,885 cases of thrombocytopenia, 590 cases of myocarditis, and 455 cases of pericarditis.

 

Reduced Risks After Vaccination

 

Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for arterial thrombotic events 13 to 24 weeks after the first vaccine dose were 0.99 for AstraZeneca and 0.90 for Pfizer. After the second dose, the corresponding aHRs were 0.73 and 0.80, respectively. The study highlighted that aHRs were lower in the initial weeks following vaccination compared to later weeks.

 

Interestingly, there was a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia two weeks after the first dose of AstraZeneca compared with no vaccination, with an aHR of 2.07. Similarly, the incidence of myocarditis was higher one week after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, with an aHR of 2.05.

 

Reassurance for Patients

Despite the observed increases in certain rare cardiovascular complications, the authors emphasized that these findings should not deter the public from receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. The overall benefits, including the significant reduction in heart attacks and strokes, far outweigh the rare risks.

 

“This England-wide study offers patients reassurance of the cardiovascular safety of first, second, and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines,” said co-author William Whiteley, MB BCh, PhD, of the University of Edinburgh. “It demonstrates that the benefits of second and booster doses, with fewer common cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes after vaccination, outweigh the very rare cardiovascular complications.”

 

Ongoing Research and Monitoring

 

The study underscores the importance of continuing to monitor the benefits and risks associated with COVID-19 vaccines. “Given the critical role of COVID-19 vaccines in protecting people from COVID-19, it is important we continue to study the benefits and risks associated with them,” added co-senior author Venexia Walker, PhD, MMath, of the University of Bristol.

 

As the global vaccination campaign continues, this research provides crucial data supporting the widespread use of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent severe cardiovascular events. The study’s findings highlight the vaccines’ role in not only preventing COVID-19 but also in contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

 

In conclusion, the reduction in heart attack and stroke incidence post-COVID-19 vaccination offers significant reassurance regarding the cardiovascular safety of the vaccines. While rare complications exist, the overall public health benefits make a compelling case for continued vaccination efforts worldwide.