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The increasing risk of myocarditis

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    20th Jan, 2022

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.

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.

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