Context
The heart has played a central role in the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since the beginning. The most common point of conflict concerning COVID-19 vaccines is the risk of myocarditis following immunization, particularly among young people.
What is Myocarditis?
- Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle most commonly caused by a virus like influenza, coxsackie, hepatitis or herpes.
- Other causes include bacteria, fungi, toxins, chemotherapy and autoimmune conditions.
- Some viruses infect heart muscle and cause direct injury to the heart, while others cause heart damage indirectly through the immune system.
- Activation of the immune system in response to an infection triggers the release of chemicals in the body called cytokines, which help clear infections.
- In some cases, the levels of cytokines rise to unusually high levels to produce a “cytokine storm” that causes damage to heart muscle.
