The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now investigating rare cases of heart inflammation among young people and teens who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- The heart inflammation complications were mostly reported among men, though there were some women who reported the issue.
- Heart inflammation problems popped up four days after the second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, according to CBS News.
- Per The New York Times, the heart inflammation issue — which is also called myocarditis — “is an inflammation of the heart muscle, and can occur following certain infections.”
The CDC said in a statement that there were “relatively few” cases reported so far. And, according to the CDC, the cases might be unrelated to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC said it decided to review the information even though “rates of myocarditis reports in the window following COVID-19 vaccination have not differed from expected baseline rates.”
What’s next for the heart inflammation issue?
According to the CDC, the agency hopes to collect more medical record information about the rare event. The agency advises patients to present information to their doctors.
“Collaboration between infectious diseases, cardiology and rheumatology specialists is needed to provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment and management of myocarditis,” according to the CDC.