COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for Patients with Heart Rhythm Disorders

Regarding the administration of the AZ vaccine in patients with Class I heart disease?

Hello, I would like to consult on behalf of a friend.
My friend is a 28-year-old male who has sought medical attention for tachycardia, with a primary diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia (diagnosis code: I499) and a secondary diagnosis of non-rheumatic other tricuspid valve disorders (diagnosis code: I368).
He belongs to the ninth category of individuals who have received notification that they can receive the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine.
After reviewing the relevant major disease diagnosis information on the website, and considering that some of his friends fall under diagnosis codes D and J (immune-related issues, renal function requiring blood tests), the physician advised against receiving the AZ vaccine and recommended the Moderna vaccine instead.

Therefore, I would like to ask the physician whether it is advisable for my friend, who falls under diagnosis code I, to receive the AZ vaccine, or if he should also receive another vaccine like Moderna, similar to those in categories D and J.
Although individuals with major diseases can receive vaccines, there are still concerns that some major disease patients may experience severe side effects from the AZ vaccine.
I would like to confirm whether individuals in category I can safely receive the AZ vaccine, or if it would be safer to wait for other vaccines, as they may be less likely to cause severe side effects in comparison.
Thank you.

Ms. Su, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/23

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

If it is a mild non-rheumatic tricuspid valve disorder, the vaccine will not have any impact.
For other conditions, please consult the relevant specialist.

Reply Date: 2021/07/23

More Info

When considering COVID-19 vaccination for patients with heart rhythm disorders, such as your friend who has been diagnosed with arrhythmia (I499) and non-rheumatic tricuspid valve disease (I368), it is essential to weigh the benefits and risks associated with the vaccines available.
The COVID-19 vaccines, including AstraZeneca (AZ) and Moderna, have been shown to be effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. However, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly those affecting the heart, may have specific considerations regarding vaccine choice.

1. Understanding the Risks: Patients with heart rhythm disorders may be at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19 itself. Therefore, vaccination is generally recommended to protect against the virus. However, there are concerns about potential side effects from certain vaccines, particularly in individuals with underlying heart conditions. For instance, the AZ vaccine has been associated with rare but serious side effects, such as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), which could be particularly concerning for patients with cardiovascular issues.

2. Recommendations from Health Authorities: Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have provided guidance on vaccination for individuals with underlying health conditions. Generally, they recommend vaccination, but the choice of vaccine may depend on the individual's specific health status and the presence of any contraindications.

3. Consultation with Healthcare Providers: It is crucial for your friend to have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider. The provider can assess the severity of the heart condition, review any other health issues, and consider the potential risks of the AZ vaccine versus the Moderna vaccine. If the healthcare provider has recommended Moderna due to concerns about the AZ vaccine, it may be wise to follow that advice.

4. Monitoring After Vaccination: If your friend decides to proceed with vaccination, it is important to monitor for any adverse reactions post-vaccination. Patients with heart conditions should be particularly vigilant about any unusual symptoms, such as chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath, and seek medical attention if these occur.

5. Alternative Vaccination Options: If there are significant concerns about the AZ vaccine, waiting for other vaccine options, such as Moderna or Pfizer, may be a prudent choice. These vaccines have different mechanisms of action and side effect profiles, which may be more suitable for individuals with specific health concerns.

In summary, while vaccination is crucial for protecting against COVID-19, the choice of vaccine for individuals with heart rhythm disorders should be made collaboratively with healthcare providers, considering the individual's unique health profile and the potential risks associated with each vaccine. It is essential to prioritize safety while ensuring adequate protection against COVID-19, especially given the ongoing pandemic and the potential for severe outcomes from the virus itself.

Similar Q&A

Can I Get mRNA Vaccines Like BNT with Heart Valve Insufficiency?

Due to company health screenings, I have been diagnosed with arrhythmia for two consecutive years and was required to undergo detailed examinations. In addition to an echocardiogram, I also had a stress electrocardiogram. Since I have a habit of exercising, the doctor informed me...

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology
Hello, based on your health check description, everything seems generally good. Regarding the COVID-19 vaccines currently administered in Taiwan, there appear to be no contraindications. The concerns about allergic reactions or myocarditis associated with mRNA vaccines are indeed...

COVID-19 Vaccination for Heart Patients with Mechanical Valves: Risks and Recommendations

Hello Dr. Wu, my mother has an artificial mechanical valve and a cardiac pacemaker. Due to the current concerns regarding thrombotic side effects associated with the AZ vaccine in Taiwan, I am worried about the risk of thrombosis related to her mechanical valve. I would like to k...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Currently, there is no evidence indicating that these patients are more likely to develop thrombosis due to vaccination, and these patients are typically already on anticoagulants to prevent thrombosis.

Is It Safe for Heart Patients to Get the COVID Vaccine?

Dear Director He, Thank you for your response last year regarding the issue of myocardial bridge and medication. However, at the beginning of this year, I experienced cardiac arrhythmia with rapid heartbeats and was sent to the emergency room, where I was diagnosed with atrial f...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, there is no causal relationship between myocardial bridge and atrial fibrillation. Long-term use of certain medications may have adverse effects on the thyroid and lungs, which can vary from person to person. Generally, long-term use is considered to be over a year. Engagi...

Understanding Palpitations After COVID-19 Vaccination: What to Do Next

Hello Doctor: After receiving the first dose of the BNT COVID-19 vaccine, I began experiencing palpitations. I have since received the third dose, and after that, I underwent several tests including an electrocardiogram (ECG), a stress test, a 24-hour Holter monitor, and an echoc...

Dr. Chen Jili reply Cardiology
It is advisable for you to consult with your attending physician regarding the aforementioned issues. Thank you, and wishing you good health.