with a small amount of people experiencing heart inflammation after receiving a second dose of the moderna or pfizer mrna vaccines, researchers at the mayo clinic decided to take a closer look at the risks — and rewards — of inoculation.
what is myocarditis and pericarditis?
myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can affect the organ’s electrical system and impact its ability to pump blood properly or maintain a normal rhythm,
according to the mayo clinic
. pericarditis is a similar condition involving an irritation or swelling of the tissue surrounding the heart. if the conditions, which are usually caused by a viral infection, are severe enough, they can weaken the heart to the point it is unable to provide enough blood to the rest of the body. studies have shown a tiny percentage of people have experienced hypersensitivity myocarditis — a form of the ailment generally caused by a drug allergy — after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. because hypersensitivity myocarditis has also been seen in response to the smallpox vaccines, researchers were eager to take a closer look at its relation to the new medicine.
what are the symptoms?
in the early stages, or with mild cases of the condition, people with myocarditis may experience no symptoms at all or only slight chest pain or shortness of breath. if the condition is more serious, symptoms can vary but generally include chest pain, fatigue, a rapid or abnormal heart beat (arrhythmia), shortness of breath (even at rest) and fluid retention that can cause swelling in the lower extremities and fatigue. children with myocarditis can experience fever, fainting, trouble breathing or arrhythmia. while chest pain is the primary symptom of pericarditis, patients can also experience low-grade fever, heart palpitations, abdominal swelling and shortness of breath.