COVID-19 Vaccines and Heart Attacks: What Recent Studies Reveal

The relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and heart attacks has been a topic of intense discussion, particularly as misinformation and concerns about vaccine safety have circulated. With heart disease remaining a leading cause of death globally, understanding whether COVID-19 vaccines contribute to cardiovascular risks, such as heart attacks (myocardial infarction), is critical. This blog examines the latest scientific evidence from 2024 and 2025, addressing the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and heart attacks, while also highlighting the risks of heart-related complications from COVID-19 itself.

Understanding Heart Attacks and COVID-19 Vaccines

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often due to a clot in a coronary artery, leading to damage of the heart muscle. Concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and heart attacks stem from early reports of rare cardiac events, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly after mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). However, the specific link to heart attacks has been less clear, prompting extensive research to clarify these risks.

What Recent Studies Say

Recent studies from 2024 and 2025 provide a clearer picture of the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and heart attacks. Below are key findings from peer-reviewed research:

1. Reduced Risk of Heart Attacks Post-Vaccination

A comprehensive study involving 46 million adults in England, published in Nature Communications in July 2024, found that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes was lower after COVID-19 vaccination compared to before or without vaccination. Specifically:

• The incidence of arterial thromboses, including heart attacks, was up to 10% lower 13–24 weeks after the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• After a second dose, the incidence was up to 27% lower for AstraZeneca and 20% lower for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

This suggests that vaccination may protect against cardiovascular events, likely by reducing the severity of COVID-19 infections, which are known to increase heart attack risk due to inflammation and clotting.

2. Myocarditis and Pericarditis: Rare but Acknowledged Risks

While heart attacks are distinct from myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s outer lining), these conditions have been associated with mRNA vaccines, particularly in young males. A 2024 Swedish study involving 8 million adults confirmed a transient increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis 1–2 weeks after mRNA vaccination, especially in younger men. However, the study found no significant increase in heart attack risk and noted that full vaccination reduced the risk of severe cardiovascular outcomes associated with COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that myocarditis cases post-vaccination are rare, typically mild, and resolve with rest and medication. Importantly, the risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 infection is significantly higher than from vaccination.

3. No Direct Evidence Linking Vaccines to Heart Attacks

Multiple studies, including a 2022 Healthline review and a 2024 South Korean cohort study, found no reliable evidence that COVID-19 vaccines directly cause heart attacks. The Korean study, involving 3.3 million participants, noted a higher heart disease risk in mRNA vaccine recipients (adjusted hazard ratio of 1.48), but this was not specific to heart attacks and was more pronounced in younger individuals. The study emphasized the need for further research to clarify mechanisms.

A 2024 Oregon study reviewing death certificates of individuals aged 16–30 found no definitive cases of cardiac-related deaths within 100 days of mRNA vaccination, while 30 deaths in the same age group were attributed to COVID-19.

4. COVID-19 Infection Poses Greater Cardiovascular Risk

COVID-19 itself is strongly linked to cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks, due to inflammation, blood clots, and stress on the heart. A 2021 The Lancet study reported a threefold to eightfold increased risk of heart attack in COVID-19 patients. A Nature Medicine study estimated 40 myocarditis events per 1 million people after a COVID-19 infection, compared to 10 per 1 million after the second dose of the Moderna vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe COVID-19, which in turn lowers the likelihood of cardiovascular complications. A 2022 study of 231,037 people found that two doses of COVID-19 vaccines reduced heart attack risk up to four months after a breakthrough infection.

5. Addressing Misinformation

Posts on platforms like X have claimed significant increases in heart attack risk post-vaccination, citing studies or anecdotes (e.g., an 85-million-person study alleging a 286% increased heart attack risk). However, these claims often misinterpret data or lack peer-reviewed validation. For instance, the cited study does not appear in reputable journals, and the data contradicts larger, verified studies like those from the University of Cambridge and Dalhousie University. Always cross-reference such claims with peer-reviewed sources to avoid misinformation.

Key Takeaways

• Vaccines Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: Large-scale studies show that COVID-19 vaccines, particularly after multiple doses, lower the incidence of heart attacks and strokes by mitigating severe COVID-19 infections, which are a major driver of cardiovascular complications.
• Myocarditis vs. Heart Attacks: While mRNA vaccines are associated with rare cases of myocarditis, primarily in young males, there is no conclusive evidence linking them directly to heart attacks.
• COVID-19’s Greater Threat: The virus itself poses a significantly higher risk of heart-related issues, including heart attacks, than the vaccines.
• Vaccine Safety: The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks for most individuals, including those with pre-existing heart conditions. The American Heart Association recommends vaccination for people with cardiovascular risk factors.

Recommendations for Heart Health

• Get Vaccinated: The CDC and American Heart Association recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, including those with heart conditions, to reduce the risk of severe outcomes. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.
• Monitor Symptoms: Be aware of heart attack symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, etc.) and seek immediate medical attention if they occur, regardless of vaccination status.
• Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and monitor blood pressure and cholesterol to reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
• Stay Informed: Rely on peer-reviewed studies and reputable sources like the CDC, Nature, or The Lancet for accurate information, and be cautious of unverified claims on social media.

Conclusion

The latest research from 2024 and 2025 confirms that COVID-19 vaccines do not directly cause heart attacks and, in fact, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by protecting against severe COVID-19 infections. While rare cases of myocarditis have been reported, these are distinct from heart attacks and are far less common than heart-related complications from the virus itself. For individuals with heart conditions or concerns, vaccination remains a critical tool for safeguarding health. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and stay vigilant about heart attack symptoms to ensure timely intervention.