In these current pandemic times we have witnessed extremely accelerated biomedical research: vaccines against SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We have also been bombarded with an amount of information to which we have never been exposed before (not even in the case of HIV, or influenza A). On the other hand, the pandemic has also changed our way of understanding medical consultation: although we continue to prefer face to face with our doctors, how can we do it, with waiting lists, restrictions and capacity?
Currently, four vaccines for COVID-19 are approved in Spain: two using mRNA-technology (Pfizer and Moderna) and two based on inactivated adenovirus (AstraZeneca and Janssen). In the clinical trials of the four vaccines, the population that was selected included patients with various pathologies: obesity, HTN, DM2, chronic heart disease; At that time, it was known that all of them were a risk factor for severe COVID, so including them was mandatory.
In our workplace we receive a significant number of tele-consultations as a result of the COVID19 vaccination. It is evident that this is the result of everything stated above, and how can we not understand it? “They have said such a thing on TV.” “I have read that this brand of vaccine does this.” Information without a guide can be counterproductive. Furthermore, cardiology patients, who ultimately have a chronic disease and are at greater risk from COVID 19, feel even more helpless. “Hasn't my doctor told me that my blood is too thick and that's why I take anticoagulants? “Do I belong to the risk group for a fatal thrombosis after vaccination?”
Luckily, the answers to all these questions are very simple:
First you have to get vaccinated. You must get vaccinated because in no age group are the side effects of vaccines greater than the risk of dying or suffering from serious illness from SARS-CoV2.
In addition, vaccines are being subjected to such a strict pharmacovigilance system that sometimes we err on the side of caution.
But if you have heart disease and still have doubts about vaccination, you should know:
- Having heart disease does not increase the risk of post-vaccination thrombosis. This depends more on the age factor, and all health protocols already take it into account.
- The medication he takes does not cause any major problems. Especially anticoagulants (sintrom, eliquis, lixiana, xarelto or dabigatran), which should not be suspended to receive the vaccine. The same can be said about antiplatelet agents, such as adiro or clopidogrel.
- The side effects are similar to those suffered by the general population: fever, malaise, joint pain, etc.
And if you still have doubts, consult with your trusted cardiologist.
By Dr. Guillermo Alonso Deniz , specialist in cardiac imaging and outpatient consultations