Should I have the COVID vaccine if I have a heart risks?

Should I have the COVID vaccine if I have a heart risks?

If you’re concerned about heart disease, high blood pressure or past cardiovascular events, you may be wondering whether getting the COVID-19 vaccine is wise or risky. After all, there has been talk of rare heart complications following vaccination, which understandably causes anxiety.

In this article, I look at what the evidence really says about the link between viruses, heart attack risk and vaccination. The science may actually be more reassuring than you expect.

How viruses affect the heart

It’s now well-established that viral infections can put stress on the cardiovascular system. COVID-19 is no exception. In fact, research suggests that COVID-19 may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by infecting the cells within artery walls and the macrophages that live there. This can cause inflammation in existing plaques, which may rupture and lead to a heart attack or stroke.

COVID-19 has also been linked with:

• myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)

• atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm)

• increased blood clotting, which can further stress the cardiovascular system

These are not just short-term concerns. For some, the impact of COVID-19 on the heart and blood vessels has been long-lasting.

Is the vaccine more dangerous than the virus?

Some people have chosen to delay or avoid vaccination due to fear of side effects. While it is true that the COVID-19 vaccines have been linked to very rare complications affecting the heart, blood or brain, these risks are far smaller than the risks posed by the virus itself.

A peer-reviewed study found that the risk of heart events is significantly higher from the infection than from the vaccine. This includes complications such as myocarditis, which appears more frequently after infection than after vaccination.

Flu, pneumonia and other infections also increase heart risk

COVID-19 is not the only virus that can affect the heart. There is good evidence that many common infections, including influenza, pneumonia and even the common cold, can temporarily increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially in people with existing cardiovascular concerns.

This is one of the reasons why flu vaccines have long been recommended for:

• adults over 65

• those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes

• people with a history of heart disease or stroke

For example, flu vaccines in older adults are around 60 percent effective and help protect against severe complications from the virus, including hospitalisation and heart strain.

Vaccination reduces infection, which reduces heart risk

The takeaway message is this: the fewer infections you get, the lower your risk of triggering a cardiovascular event. Vaccines play a role in reducing your exposure and lessening the severity of illness if you do become infected.

COVID-19 vaccines designed for older adults are specifically formulated to strengthen immune response and reduce complications in people who are more vulnerable.

If you’re trying to weigh up the decision, consider the broader picture. Most of the cardiovascular risk comes from the infection itself, not the vaccine.

Protecting your heart health is an ongoing process

If you are already managing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a history of cardiac events or are concerned about your risk of heart disease, there are many supportive steps you can take beyond vaccination.

A combination of lifestyle changes, nutritional strategies and managing infections wisely can help reduce the load on your cardiovascular system and improve your long-term health outcomes.

How I can help

I specialise in supporting people who want to strengthen their heart health, reduce cholesterol or blood pressure, recover after a cardiac event or improve risk factors like diabetes or weight gain. Whether you’re making decisions about vaccination or looking to make long-term changes, I can guide you through a safe and supportive plan.

📩 Contact me today if you’d like to talk about a personalised approach to your cardiovascular health.