Myocarditis Following COVID-19 Vaccine: What Did We Learn?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound global impact, with vaccination emerging as a key strategy for controlling the virus. However, concerns have arisen regarding potential cardiovascular side effects, particularly myocarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. This review examines the risk of post-vaccination myocarditis by analyzing over 40 studies. Findings indicate that myocarditis occurs most commonly within 2 to 4 days after the second dose, particularly in males aged 12 to 39 years. Proposed mechanisms include molecular mimicry and hypersensitivity reactions. Despite these concerns, most cases present with mild symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea, resolving with supportive care. Importantly, the overall safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines remains high, with benefits significantly outweighing risks. Further multi-center studies are needed to fully understand the pathophysiology and mitigate potential adverse effects. No clinical trials were conducted for this review.