It’s Topic Tuesday!
- anirudhakarla
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Welcome back, everyone! Every year, people with heart or vascular problems ask the same question: “Is it safe for me to get the flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine?” If you have cardiovascular disease or an aortic condition—like an aneurysm or a history of aortic surgery—that concern is very real. Let’s break it down.
Do vaccines stress the heart or aorta?
Vaccines, like the flu shot or COVID-19 vaccines, work by “training” your immune system. This can cause mild, short-term side effects—soreness in the arm, a low-grade fever, or fatigue. These are signs your body is building protection. For most people, including those with aortic disease, this short-lived immune response does not place dangerous strain on the heart or blood vessels.
What about rare risks?
You may have read about very rare cases of heart inflammation (myocarditis) after certain COVID vaccines, especially in younger men. These events are uncommon, usually mild, and not linked to the aorta. Importantly, COVID itself is far more likely to cause serious heart problems—including blood clots, heart attacks, and worsening vascular disease—than the vaccine.
Why vaccination matters if you have aortic disease
Flu and COVID infections can put significant stress on the heart and blood vessels. They cause fever, inflammation, and spikes in blood pressure, which are exactly the kinds of stress that increase risk if you already have an aortic condition. Preventing those infections with vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your heart and your aorta.
Bottom line
For people with aortic disease, the benefits of flu and COVID vaccines far outweigh any potential risks. The vaccines do not directly harm the aorta, and avoiding serious infections is a key part of protecting your heart and blood vessels.
As always, if you have concerns—especially if you’ve had recent surgery or other complications—check in with your cardiologist or vascular surgeon before vaccination. But for the vast majority, rolling up your sleeve is a safe and powerful step toward staying healthy.
That’s all for this week, folks. Thank you so much for joining me here! Hope to see you again next time!
Signing off,
Anirudh Karla
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