Atrial Fib and Vaccine

[Leka7868]

Hello from Canada. I’m reaching out about my 81-year-old mother, who has had atrial fibrillation (AFib) for about 15 years. We’ve managed it with medications like Metoprolol and others, but in July 2024, she had an ablation. Since then, things have gone downhill. She had to start taking Amiodarone, which worked well for her AFib, but we had to stop it in February 2025 because it was affecting her cognitive function, and I was starting to lose my mom.

In February 2025, she began taking Propafenone, first 150 mg, then increased to 300 mg, with no issues so far. However, on March 10, her family doctor recommended the PPSV23 vaccine (Pneumovax 23), which she received. March 13. she went into AFib with a heart rate of 130-140 bpm and low blood pressure, around 90/60, and sometimes as low as 87/60—something she has never experienced before.

On March 14, I took her to the ER, and she underwent cardioversion, which was successful. But since then, her blood pressure has been high at 140/60. She went into AFib again on March 23, with a heart rate of 130 bpm and low blood pressure of 90/60 again.

My question is: Has anyone experienced these side effects after receiving the vaccine? I spoke with her cardiologist, who mentioned that she had heard of similar occurrences. Does anyone know if this low blood pressure will persist during AFib episodes, or if it will resolve on its own? Also, does cardioversion typically cause blood pressure to rise, and if so, how long does this last?

Thank you.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Leka.

I'll answer one of your questions. BP can rise after a CV, but this normally resolves itself within 24 hours ~ often much less. The Systolic pressure is a little high for an 80-year-old woman at 140.

I'm sure other forum members will be able to help with some of your other questions.

Rgds Paul ">

[CDreamer]

I believe that any infection or vaccine for an infection, can trigger AF in some people, I’m one of them. Since I have stopped taking the vaccines my AF episodes have reduced and I’ve not had any significant infections - co-incidence? I don’t know but I do believe I had been over vaccinated IMHO after I had COVID, Flu, Pneumonia + 2 for Shingles within about 6 weeks and my body protested big time!

[Leka7868 in reply to CDreamer]

But how long does the trigger keeps happening?

[ForensicFairy]

I’m not aware of this kind of adverse reaction to this vaccine. Some COVID vaccines are known to induce arrhythmias in those prone to it, but not sure about any others. It might be worthwhile talking to her doctor about it.

All vaccines carry risks, all medications carry risks and all diseases carry risks. It’s a constant and ongoing judgement call weighing up all risks and should be made in consultation with her doctors.

[Leka7868 in reply to ForensicFairy]

To be honest I dont think some doctors here in Canada knows much about it or care 😞

[secondtry]

In your Mum's position I would need to be totally convinced of the necessity due to existing or potential comorbidities before I let them get any where near me with a vaccine. I have read too much about adverse consequences and above average side effects.

[Leka7868 in reply to secondtry]

From now on I will be extremely careful with any vaccine and medicine. Thanks

[Vonnegut]

I am another 81 year old woman but I have only had paroxysmal AF for about 6 years and mine is well controlled now with Flecainide. The figures for “high” blood pressure in the UK are are higher than in the US and as you are in Canada perhaps what is considered high there is lower than here too. We have found that we are all different and I do hope you can get the right help for your mother. I had an allergic reaction to one of the covid vaccines and it seems to have damaged the muscle in my left arm which might gradually be recovering.. When I tested positive for covid for 14 days I felt no different except that it brought on an AF episode, ended in a few hours with an extra 100mg of Flecainide.

[fodgreen]

My Doctor is happy if my blood pressure is 140/90 & hr 80 strange how opinions differ.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello

Thank you for sharing your mother's AF experience with us, everyone's AF journey will vary on an individual basis, her doctor will have recommended the vaccine to provide the best protection for her in her circumstances. It is not unknown that introducing a new medication/vaccine into the body can often have an effect as the body takes time to adjust - which can in time be a potential trigger for AF. If you are at all worried, please do not hesitate to speak to the doctor at your earliest convenience.

If you prefer to contact one of our Patient Services Team members, please contact: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa..., as we are very happy to help.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[marcyh]

Vaccines cause reactions. For me, my heart clearly reacted to my second Pfizer. I have stopped taking all vaccines. It isn't clear anymore what is in them.

[Auriculaire]

Do not worry about the blood pressure. Over correcting blood pressure in the elderly often leads to falls. My doctor is perfectly happy with my blood pressure of 140/ 70 and I am 73. Vaccines of any sort can cause reactions for some people -sometimes clearing up quickly , sometimes lasting longer. Hopefully your mother will get back to normal soon.