Amsterdam UMC sports cardiologists dispel concerns linking the COVID-19 vaccine to athlete cardiac issues, emphasising the significance of vaccination timing for performance
Athletes and sudden cardiac arrests have led to speculation about COVID-19 vaccine connections. However, Amsterdam UMC’s analysis, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, debunks these claims.
No evidence of COVID-19 vaccine impact on athlete health
Extensive research, including a study involving over four million individuals in Australia, found no increase in cardiac arrest or myocarditis rates post-vaccination.
In fact, credible research has also previously revealed that Covid-19 vaccination has linked to fewer heart attacks and strokes.
Vaccine’s impact on athlete Myocarditis risk
Amsterdam UMC’s Harald Jorstad and Joelle Daems reviewed global literature and observed that young individuals, especially males, are more prone to myocarditis.
Though athletes fall within this demographic, combining intense exercise with COVID-19 vaccination doesn’t exacerbate myocarditis risk. Myocarditis caused by COVID-19 infection is rarer and more severe than vaccine-related cases.
Vaccine safety and athlete performance
Despite concerns over performance, the Amsterdam UMC research assures athletes of the vaccine’s safety. Most experience only mild, short-lived side effects. An Olympic and Paralympic athlete study indicated that only a tiny fraction couldn’t train on vaccination day, with the majority resuming training promptly.
Minor impact on VO2 Max
A marginal decrease in VO2 Max, a measure of endurance fitness, emerged in one study within the Netherlands and Belgium. However, the decrease’s clinical relevance is doubtful and might be temporary. Combined with earlier findings, this suggests athletes need not worry.
Nevertheless, timing vaccinations around major competitions is advisable.
In essence, Amsterdam UMC’s sports cardiologists dismiss the notion of a COVID-19 vaccine impact on athlete cardiac health.
Their comprehensive global research analysis reveals no heightened risks of sudden cardiac arrest or myocarditis.
The study underscores the vaccine’s overall safety for athletes and addresses minor changes in performance metrics. Thus, athletes can confidently navigate the COVID-19 vaccine landscape while optimising their training and competition schedules.
