hi all. I’m sure many readers of this wonderful community will be tired of this subject. But I wanted to ask the question- I never had any AF episodes up to and including Covid. When I look at my vaccination dates I see a possible link. Is it possible that the jabs we all had did in fact interfere with our hearts in some way? Or the virus itself did? If this is old ground please forgive me. But would really welcome any thoughts.
covid vaccines : hi all. I’m sure many... - Atrial Fibrillati...
covid vaccines
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OscarN
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For me, getting Covid coincided with a notable increase in frequency of PAF episodes during the ensuing 6 months - the first when I still had Covid. I discussed with my cardiologist. He said it was quite common and sent me for cardiac MRI to check for any scarring from possible Myocarditis. It was fine and my PAF episodes eventually settled down to pre-Covid levels.
Thank you
My arrhythmia specialist said exactly the same thing. Covid infection (not the vaccine) really kicked the hornet’s nest as far as my AF was concerned. Don’t underestimate Covid.
thanks
🙏🏻🙏🏻
I had a particularly nasty bout of AF following my second Covid jab. Whether it was linked to the jab or not I don’t know but I decided after that not to have any more. On the other hand, I’ve heard of folk who’ve had every Covid booster going and whose hearts appear to be untroubled by them. As with side-effects of medications I suppose, some are sensitive to these things, others not. As in life, there seem to be no hard and fast rules!
I have auto immune blood clot condition APS . My Heamo said ‘ easy decision you are worse off with severe covid as causes clots if prone to. Than side effects of Pfizer as trialled ‘ That was way back , I’ve had every shot booster and flu shot . No af fib , sore arm 2 days zilch no side effects . I am 74 with APS . No afib no clots no flu . Feel quite OK after boosters . I’m old , I wouldn’t push young under 50/60 s to have as per NHS guidance unless vulnerable as per NHS guidance . I have talked to MANY over 70 s in vax queues . Zilch nada no side effects . Seems to suit old worn out immune systems
😜
I’m clearly not old and worn out enough yet, then😂
Lucky you 😆
thanks
BobDVolunteer
Had every one offered and no affect on heart that I can attribute.
In my view YES there is a real connection between COVID jabs and increase in first onset and a worsening of AF episodes alongside other other arrhythmias. The evidence is now being documented, eventually unfortunately still not being studied.
BOTH COVID itself and the jab creat an inflammatory response, as does any infection, and it is that inflammatory response which can trigger arrythnias but also other conditions which seem to affect the heart particularly such as myocarditis.
There is a lot of doctors now starting to speak out about this and a few researching.
My own experience - COVID Oct 21, seriously ill, blue lighted to hospital with suspected MI and in AF. Recovery took about 2 months and having been free of AF for some years, AF episodes returned - ALWAYS increased following COVID jab. I stopped taking the jabs in Winter 2023 - AF episodes have settled and much less troublesome - a few palpitations for a few minutes so my AF burden has gone down from 5% to less than 1% in 12 months of NOT taking the jabs but strangely - I still tested for COVID 3 times during the 12 months but had very light symptoms which I hardly noticed.
I should say I am heavily immune suppressed and was told originally by all but one doctor friend, that I MUST have the vaccine because I wouldn’t survive COVID if I got it. Well I did, possibly because I have an over active immune system anyway? I don’t know but I also know quite a few other people with autoimmune conditions in the same position - yet we were supposed to be the ‘very vulnerable’.
The more I learn, the less I know.
Yes it’s a weird one, I haven’t had covid Thank you Jesus 🙏🏻. , but had 7/8 vax Mostly all Pfizer, it seems for my autoimmune APS self, all Inflamm goes into the injection site , sore swollen spot lump that took a week to disappear . I did not have Vax whilst unwell only while normal . I prob would continue with annual boosters. No covid Thank you upto now , ( I do wear N95 little mask / respirator ( 5 layer with filter on buses during reported winter outbreaks . Found during Covid years I like wearing it if coughing hacking sneezing person sick person standing above me and I.m sitting or sitting next to me . . I am not the only mask wearer on bus, and don’t give a fig what others think, thank you . All flu shots taken. I am happy with all this , have no opinion on what others should do . Simples . I buy a box every winter , they are reusable a couple of times. Then dispose .
thanks
Covid vaccines or covid or both, all I can say is I had arrhythmia episodes after vaccines and currently I have a bad bout of covid as does my husband and daughter.
I was blue lighted to hospital last weekend with an arrhythmia storm but showed no signs of infections but clearly something was brewing as wham along came covid earlier this week and my arrhythmias have continued to hit with a vengeance.
I cannot get to the bathroom without crawling there as I am about to faint and ectopic beats are rife which in turn throw me into tachycardia and afib alternating between the two with ectopic beats being the trigger. Not felt this ill this length of time for years.
It would help if I could get to speak with my arrhythmia medical team but its been impossible to get through to them in London all week despite my GP and my best efforts to do so. My local hospital is completely useless so I have to see if I can get through this alone. Its quite frightening I can tell you.
Oh meadfoot so sorry to read this. Is it an idea to try the bhf helpline for support or advice. Get well soon xxx
Thanks Wilson. I tried their nurse helpline yesterday but it said all their lines were busy. I felt too unwell to hang on. Will try again Monday when they reopen. Hope all is ok with you currently. Stay safe. X
Oh Meadfoot, this is dreadful 😢 I’m so sorry to hear how awful it is - and it’s too bad to be left stranded like this. Sending a hug xx
Thank you Jane. It gets harder to cope with especially with the NHS seemingly in freefall. I hope you are well and coping. X
It really does 😢 It feels like medical care that we used to be able to rely on is frighteningly just not there, or maybe there but not available any more … Scary. I spent last Saturday in A&E (not AF related) and it was like a field hospital for a war zone…
I do hope you get through to someone who can really help on Monday. Do let us know, won’t you? X
Thank you will do. So sorry to hear you had to be in a and e too. Rubbish isnt it when all we want to do is be healthy and contribute to society and live a good life. Your war zone field hospital is a good analogy. Hope you are now feeling better. X
You are so right! Yes thanks I’m better now, very thankful. It’s scary how precarious health can be, isn’t it?
I really hope you get a better night and that the infection and the arrhythmia take a turn for the better by tomorrow 🙏🏻❤️
Really hope things are improving for you. Thanks so much for your reply.
Wow poor you , scary. Do you have any auto immune or otherwise health conditions ? Get well soon 🙏🏻
Thank you Bloodredroses. No auto immune i know of. Today I feel absolutely dreadful in and out of afib every minute with ectopics in between. Really dont know which way to turn its such a rollercoaster. Covid showing no signs of abating either. Hope you are well. Thanks.
Argh it’s so awful 😞 How are you feeling today Meadfoot? And any luck with the arrhythmia nurses? X
Hello Jane, no luck today getting to speak with anyone. Every number is either engaged, mail box full or unavailable. I gave up by mid afternoon. I have given my mind to having to wait for my EP app two weeks tomorrow.
Just hoping covid passes and gives me some heart calm as what has been happening is unsustainable. I hope you have had a good day. Thank you for your support and care. X
So sorry you are so ill, sounds very similar to my experience in 2021. All I can say is that I came through, although there were times I was wishing I would die I felt so bad. Once the COVID had wreaked the havoc it does and I recovered - about 3 months - all the arrhythmias settled again so hopefully they will for you, from what I have read that does happen for most people.
It is depressing when you cannot get medical support, assessment and monitoring, I hope you do have some support from family. What I learned - don’t eat - affected my gut so much I couldn’t anyway - don’t lie flat stay semi reclining and sleep really is your best friend and try keep well hydrated. The only thing I could tolerate was liquidised watermelon - quite good for electrolytes.
Wishing you speedy recovery.
Ah thank you Cdreamer. Yes I am in the same place you were. Cant see a way out currently. Like you were I am teetering on the brink and just need it to stop. Thanks for your reassurance and tips which I will take on board. Its this slipping in and out of highly symptomatic afib I find so disconcerting, kardia is catching everything but my local hospital called it a ‘toy’ and not useful so wouldnt take notice even though my London EP often meds me on its readings.
We know our own body but getting a and e to listen is a joke. Right now I fear for my life. Yes I have a good husband by my side and daughter in the region but Iike me they picked up covid in the hospital so not at their best either.
I appreciate your support. I know you have other health issues to contend with so value your input. I hope all is under control healthwise yourself currently.
Yes watermelon is wonderful , cold ? Never lay sleep flat . Hope you recover vey soo. , get medical support . Let us know 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you bloodredroses. Will try watermelon, hubby ordering a shop on line. Sitting up not lying down. Trying sll I am being told
Every little thing can help. I don’t know if you are in UK 🇬🇧 f so the weather plays havoc with immunes. I have cold sensitivities due auto immune . That can give P A F . Don’t stress , keep mind clear you will get there for sure ❣️🙏🏻
Thank you for your encouragement. Yes I am in the UK in the north of England although my arrhythmia care is in London. I understand the cold weather you mention and how it affects us with our physical conditions. Sorry it affects you too. Stay as well as you can. X
It’s much colder up North, I hope you can do your arrhythmia care by phone, very far . Spring is on the way . Don’t breathe icy air . The hated masks are good for that . Helps my sinus out. 👋
Yes masks are useful. I value the expertise of my london EP team. Keep safe yourdelf. X
Hi Oscar. My diagnosis of AF coincided with a Covid booster in Oct 2022. Please note I use the word “COINCIDE”. Because we nearly all had covid vaccinations and boosters it’s inevitable, mathematically, that many people’s AF, or cancer, or heart attack or house move or road traffic accident coincided with it. A true scientist is someone who doubts their findings until all the evidence is in and unfortunately the whole discussion on forums such as this became confounded very early on by charismatic “ex-scientists” (ie controversial and often politically driven conspiracists) who, like climate change deniers, were more interested in their own capacity to influence than the scientific method.
So when it was time for my booster in 2023 I checked out the current thinking on your question with my pharmacist, my cardio team and a GP whose intelligence I trust. My EP had already given his opinion that with such a massive vax programme there was inevitably “shrapnel “ but in his experience the effects on heart he’d seen from covid was far worse. The replies they gave made clear that it’s too early in the scientific community to be leaping to any conclusions.
So with a measure of trepidation I had my booster in autumn 2023, no problems and relieved to have a little bit of immunity!
Hi, was that before your ablation? See my reply below.
Yes, just a couple of weeks before ablation. There’s a real problem at the moment with Covid in hospitals so figured in the balance I’d be best vaccinated beforehand. I can see your dilemma, being post ablation. I was overdue my shingles jab but waited over 12 weeks after ablation and had the nurse do a thorough check on potential side issues. To be honest I think any sudden change in the system can trigger AF. If my AF returns it’s likely to go right back to persistent and I err on the side of caution. Can you defer the appointment for a few weeks? I know this is naughty, but if you call in sick on the day they should give you another date. I wouldn’t normally suggest that, but let’s face it anxiety and it’s impact on the heart isn’t what you need right now.
Fortunately this platform is not blighted by conspiracists( and or it’s super well moderated . THANK God, people on here are honest supportive collaborative and loving . Is a huge relief and support network . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Fantastic science based reply Thank you . It would send Quora into meltdown . 🤣😤
My PAF was identified by Apple Watch in Nov 2020 but I believe I was having asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic episodes before that. So no jabs or covid that I know of before that. I’ve had covid twice since then which triggered AF immediately both times and way more symptomatic with higher rates and also flipping in and out of AF which was a new experience. Usually once I’d had an episode then I was safe for a while. I’ve had AZ, Pfizer and maybe one Moderna jabs since and had no reactions other than maybe a mildly sore arm at the entry site, none triggered AF for me.
I had an ablation in December and postponed my booster several times since November as I felt it was too close to my procedure and was thinking to leave it until after my blanking period is over. Now they have sent me another booster invite for next week which will be 8 weeks post ablation. I had one episode at day 6 in the blanking period and that was 45 days ago now so my longest AF free period in a long while. I’m only invited at my age under 65 due to my AF condition so I have a quandary.
Just sharing my thoughts.
You sound that you know your own body . I am the same. trust that . Delay if you can, explain why or say have covid😜😂I would not have any Vax injection procedure operation if unwell unless hands down emergency . Treat one’s immune system with love and care .
TracyAdminPartner
Hi OscarN, please feel free to contact our Patient Services Team - we are here to help and provide advice and reassurance; heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
Thank you
It is a medically accepted fact that the Covid vaccine can affect the heart. Incidence rates vary by age, with young males being the highest affected by myocarditis and pericarditis. Covid can also affect the heart in the very sick.
Covid has effected the heart in millions of previously healthy individuals and continues to do so.
I didn’t notice any effect on my heart from the vaccines. However, I caught Covid at the end of 2022, just as my booster was due - so it had to be postponed. It was a mild bout, like a heavy cold. Yet the next time I went into A Fib, it simply never stopped.
Possibly I was already on a rapid progression towards persistent, who knows. My ablation was just a few weeks after that, but didn’t last. Then I discovered that there was too much fibrosis to make further ablations or even cardioversions advisable.
Doing fine though - if slightly grumpy that I need to wait for my Shingles jab. The new one that they keep advertising is being offered to a younger cohort. Those between 65 and 70 have to wait until they turn 70 still. Then get the older type while supplies last. Not so long, so I thought - turning 70 this year. But - I would need to be 70 before early Sept to get it this year. Just missed! (Hmm - they’re really hitting my birthday month, first to wait until 66 for pension and until 67 for winter fuel allowance 😂 Grrr - even the vaccines!)
That is so unfair Gumbie! Did your birthday set you ahead or behind with schooling?
I just had my first shingles jab and it was the new version - in 2 parts.
I was one of the oldest in my class - but really I think it’s kind of an advantage rather than being kept back.
The main irritation with the pension thing was friends a few months older getting it quite a bit before their birthday. I know that younger people will need to wait even longer - it’s just the weird way these things are phased in. See if I get Shingles before the end of 2025, or whenever it finally comes round - I shall be so grumpy!
I was 70 in the December so assumed I would have to wait until September ish to have it with next flu jab. Late January (2023) had a message asking me to book in for shingles jab, which I did. I mentioned to nurse I assumed I had to wait until next flu jab and was told they didn’t work like that. Once you hit 70 they get you in as soon as possible. Maybe just my surgery?
That’s interesting - it might not take as long. Our GP surgery doesn’t do the vaccinations any more though - it’s all done on a region wide basis, and usually I end up in a shopping centre.
Speak to your G P you have heart condition , should be able to get shingles jab? I was not offered it BY TEXT but when I rang up to ask G P , staff they said I had box ticked that I could ( maybe as autoimmune ? This does not qualify me for the 2 covid boosters btw but shingles OK . Coincidentally I had bad shingles attack last week, in around eyes. Had. Meds at home 🙏🏻. Immune hates sub zero cold then dry eyes from heating . O arthritis in knees also ‘singing ‘ Burning around eyes and mad itching in eyes . LIPSORE Cream Optanol eye drops Aclivyr from G P on hand , plus Cocodomol pain Killer kept me sane . Having shingles jab next week , (maybe helps for next time) . APS the gift that keeps on giving 😂. Always an immune surprise . A walk and a coffee today , feel great again .
Oh, that sounds a nightmare! My sister in law has shingles around her eyes a couple of years ago - it looked very painful. We haven’t had much sub-zero in Edinburgh luckily - the Firth of Forth stops it getting quite as cold. I’m grateful as a walk is still possible without worrying about slipping! Planning to get out for coffee this afternoon to see if I can shake off a headache too.
My G P says maybe not shingles herpes as had chickenpox As a child . I have all the meds in fridge and on hand . Yes a walk , move oxygen in blood , a coffee in fav coffee shop . Some positive thoughts . It all helps .🙏🏻👋
I wondered a bit about that.... I'm going to look into the dates
I have had all the vaccines and boosters and react quite strongly each time with lots of sleeping for the next couple of days. (I always schedule the booster on a Friday now). Yet, despite my strong physiological reaction, I have never had an afib episode following a COVID vaccine. If I have actually had COVID at some point, I was not aware of it.
Exactly the same ( sore swollen injection site down to a lump in a week) no fever , no af gin bit tires couple of days . That’s all .
I have had all the Covid vaccinations and boosters available and had a bad reaction to the second booster which included going into AF and I filled in a yellow card to report it. The bad reaction did not deter me from having the other boosters , I have asthma and symptomatic AF and the prospect of getting Covid and the possibility of hospital and a ventilator was far worse to me than the slight risk of a reaction to a vaccination.
Hear you on that Doodle 👍
It’s a really good question, Oscar, and I’m interested in everyone’s replies.
I had all my jabs (2 x Astra Zeneca then Pfizer) up until last autumn booster, where I hesitated, due to posts on here that made me fear I might cause more damage my heart by having it. At the same time, I’m well aware that I’m more likely to have more damage through actually catching covid!
I did not have any increase of arrhythmia within a month of any of the covid jabs, though in both 2021 and 2022 following the jabs, I did have more incidences of PAF in the 3 months after that.
Ironically I decided to have just the flu jab this autumn as usual, as it’s ‘safe’ - and I had bad arrhythmia for a week after it!! So I think maybe for me it’s about an inflammatory reaction. Or maybe the preservatives in it…who knows? All this uncertainty makes me not want to risk any vaccines, but I recognise they’re probably protecting me from much worse. 
Jx
Exactly . My Haematologist said exactly the same . My male Dentist 70 who almost died of Covid , had to stop working 2 years, Paid a fortune to go to only Specialist in London on extreme Respiratory in long covid. Fought his way back, bought a rowing machine . Wears a mask with patients to protect himself , said it’s bonkers ‘ to not’ if vulnerable existing condition . My G P also said as no history of adverse reaction to vax , same . The hospital Specialists I asked, said if adverse condition , come to A and E , you will go out in 24 hours mostly, can’t promise that with severe covid if vulnerable. . They are medical Professionals with massive experience , I value that the most .
Thank you for this question. Yes, it's been asked before, but as more statistics come out, we are seeing the bigger picture and the information is verifying the concerns many doctors had from the beginning. For instance, now we know that after every booster, there is a spike in deaths.
My reaction came after my second Pfizer - short of breath right away and for about a month. I was doing well after my ablation but in a few months I had the worst episode ever and ended up in a hospital outside my country. I have since needed another ablation. My EP told me this week I am a complex case, and although I have full confidence in him I really don't want to have another ablation. My cardiologist advised me long ago not to have any more shots.
I have an autoimmune condition (many symptoms) and also leukemia - cancer of the immune system. Because of what I learned in many medical conferences (pre-Covid), I have been alert to what the shots do to our T cells and B cells - our disease fighters. They are harmed.
So I hope and pray there won't be any more mandates. Each of us is different so we react differently to different treatments. Our doctors need to be able to treat us as individuals, not as one-size-fits all.
I have had 5 vaccines and a mixture of the makes. None have affected my Afib or ectopics. I did feel under the weather for a couple of weeks with each one. Nothing specific, just not feeling quite right. I have had covid twice. Thankfully quite mildly (especially as last time I was abroad). I know we are all react differently to medication etc but the possibility of having covid badly outweighs any side effects of the vaccine for me. I must add this is my personal opinion and choice.
I understand definitely a risk for us Afibbers. What complicates the situation is different capabilities of the body to combat it, different manufacturers and, what surprised me the most, different batches from the same supplier.
I haven't had the jab and have lost all confidence in it. However, doing my homework on shedding from those that have, which puts us non-jabbers at risk; measuring the problem and supplements to lessen the problem are beginning to emerge. Hopefully in 12 months time we will all have some definite answers.
Which supplements ( for afib ?) 👋
Mg & CoQ10 are probably where we are most of need; others have also a part to play.
I liked CoQ10 a lot before afib started years ago, it triggers it , badly unfortunately . Good quality magnesium at night helps to stem it . Low dose B P Bosop my Cardio prescribed has helped also.
Had my first AF episode after Covid/Flu vaccination in September now on Bisoprolol 5mg and Apixaban twice a day … I’m very wary of having any more jabs.
I’m not a fan of ANY medication but I have had all my flu and Covid vax (witnessed a very healthy 45 yr old die from Covid, and my first time getting Covid was horrible). Last week I visited friends in Palm Springs, California. Both healthy 59 and 60 yr olds and non-vax’d, they came down with Covid and were quite sick. My symptoms started Wednesday afternoon but very mildly and only for 48 hrs, then completely gone. Tested negative for Covid in fact. Anecdotal I know, but with my AF history, I think wise to continue getting boosters.
Did you have a PCR test for COVID?
No we all just did two each of the home tests, so RAT not PCR. So not 100% accurate as I believe in BC Canada where I leave, home tests are said to be 70-80% reliable. I’ve now been home though for four days and noone else I am close to, has become sick.
I think the pro vax ( older) people just keep more quiet about it. Not need to be in an echo chamber , just doing what they feel is best . My Haematologist , professor CHOLESTERAL professor , and fit 70 year old dentist who almost died of covid 2 years long covid off work . Senior G P all said with my blood condition APS auto immune , no vaccine would EVER make me as ill as if I caught a bad covid and became severely ill. My Haematologist Said she promised if I had any reaction to covid vax she will be there and can fix it . She also said she never wants to see me admitted with severe covid ever and Decision was mine of course .
I decided and I have had ALL the covids and flu shots . I wish had had shingles earlier as got that in eyes last week ( thanks to tardy immune ) Touch wood and thanks to the Gods I have not had a covid flu type sick day since 10 years . I would not try to influence anyone on it now. I think it’s a good Govt policy for under 50/55 s to not have it , unless . Just be happy in own decision is the way to go . I decided about covid vac ; opinions are like a…….s , everybody has one 🤣
thank you all for the really helpful replies
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