Covid and AFib Connection?

Posted by cece55 @cece55, Oct 8, 2021

Hello Everyone,

I am curious and would like to ask this group a question. I have AFib but had not had an event for over a year except for last November. In early February of this year I took the Phizer Vaccine for Covid and had several Afib events with one lasting over a month even with cardioversion. I ended up having an ablation in May and the electrophysiologist found an enlarged and scarred atrium.

I have been doing well and am still on Flecainade, Metoporal and Eliquis. He is about to take the Flecainade away. It is time for my booster shot and I am scared that it will put me into Afib again. My Electrophysiologist and Cardiologist at Mayo said they don't feel that the vaccine had anything to do with my Afib events starting up again.

Has anyone here experienced this? I am debating whether or not to cancel my appointment next week or just take the shot. My doctors said it is better to take the booster than to get Covid.

Thoughts?

Thank You...Blessings to all of you during this trying time. CeCe55

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Hello, I'm sorry to hear you have been experiencing Afib episodes.
If you compare the incidence of Afib reported after the vaccine to Afib during or after a Covid infection, you will find your doc is correct - infection poses a much higher risk than vaccination.
This is especially true for anyone who has already had Afib in their medical history. In addition, having an underlying condition like Covid makes it more likely you will get other complications like pneumonia if you get Covid.
So it is a matter of deciding whether you would rather risk an episode of Afib, which you and your doctors know how to manage, or an infection with Covid.
Sue

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@sueinmn

Hello, I'm sorry to hear you have been experiencing Afib episodes.
If you compare the incidence of Afib reported after the vaccine to Afib during or after a Covid infection, you will find your doc is correct - infection poses a much higher risk than vaccination.
This is especially true for anyone who has already had Afib in their medical history. In addition, having an underlying condition like Covid makes it more likely you will get other complications like pneumonia if you get Covid.
So it is a matter of deciding whether you would rather risk an episode of Afib, which you and your doctors know how to manage, or an infection with Covid.
Sue

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Thank you Sue for your quick reply.

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I had the Moderna vaccine in February and woke up with A-F that night about 1:00 am. Plus had other side effects. I don't know if the vaccine triggered the episode or if it didn't. I have been having episodes of A-F every 3-4 weeks.

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@normalou35

I had the Moderna vaccine in February and woke up with A-F that night about 1:00 am. Plus had other side effects. I don't know if the vaccine triggered the episode or if it didn't. I have been having episodes of A-F every 3-4 weeks.

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I’m very interested in replies to this because I had my first ever bout with a fib (except immediate post surgery) after my second Pfizer vaccine shot. After the first shot I got very sick with flu-like symptoms and had to go into the hospital two weeks after the second shot. I asked my dr and he said it was possible, but they don’t know because of not enough information or research.

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I had a diagnosis of benign a fib . I took the first Covid shot Pfizer and nothing happened much . With the second dose I had both intestinal problems and indigestion and lung congestion and after five weeks an episode of a fib that was different.
I’m now on a blood thinner, and concerned about the booster .

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I have an ablation for a fib in June 20 20 I took the Pfizer vaccine this year both shots I’ve had no problems

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I decided to hold on the booster for now and scheduled my flu shot instead. I'd like to give a little more thought to this but would still like to hear comments. I am very good about double masking when needed and social distancing. CeCe55

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I had an ablation last October and no AFIB events until July. Covid vaccines were in March and April. I wondered also about a connection, but from what I have researched, it's better to the the vaccine than have the COVID.

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My Husband had the Pfizer vaccine this last spring. (both shots) recently his apple watch said he was have AFIB. he has never had this and this does not run in his family. He went to have is checked out but the GP could not find anything on an EKG and referred him to cardiologist. He is 70 not at all over weight and no major medical conditions. Both his parents passed way in their mid 90s of natural causes. I am concerned the the covid shot has opened up a Pandora's box. Is this normal and have others have had this experience?

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@kernell

I had a diagnosis of benign a fib . I took the first Covid shot Pfizer and nothing happened much . With the second dose I had both intestinal problems and indigestion and lung congestion and after five weeks an episode of a fib that was different.
I’m now on a blood thinner, and concerned about the booster .

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Would you tell us what intestinal problems you experienced after the Pfizer vaccine? Thank you.

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