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| - Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims that the American Heart Association has announced 90% of vaccinated people have ‘deadly heart defects’. It suggests that COVID vaccines can cause heart defects. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, 90% of vaccinated people have developed deadly heart defects.
Fact Check
Did the AHA announce that 90% of vaccinated people have deadly heart defects?
No, COVID vaccines do not cause deadly heart defects in 90% of the vaccinated population. This claim is entirely false. The American Heart Association (AHA) has not announced that 90% of vaccinated people have developed deadly heart defects. This misinformation stems from a mischaracterization of a study published in May 2023, which has been incorrectly linked to COVID-19 vaccines.
What did the study actually say?
The study in question, conducted by Harvard Medical School researchers and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that nearly 90% of American adults meet the criteria for a condition called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. This condition involves the overlap of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Importantly, the study used the American Heart Association’s definition of this condition, announced in October 2023.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome is a serious and complex health issue. It highlights the convergence of multiple health problems that are increasingly prevalent in the American population. The condition emphasises the need for integrated healthcare approaches to address these interconnected health concerns effectively. The AHA’s definition of this syndrome aims to raise awareness and promote preventive measures to tackle these widespread health challenges.
Is the study related to vaccines?
The study did not investigate or discuss the impact of COVID-19 vaccines. The data collection for the study ended in March 2020, months before COVID-19 vaccines were available. Therefore, any suggestion that the study’s findings are related to the vaccines is incorrect.
Furthermore, neither the American Heart Association’s announcement nor any other statements from the organisation mention vaccines in relation to this condition. The research focused solely on understanding the prevalence and implications of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, independent of any vaccination status.
Where did this misinformation come from?
The false claim appears to originate from The People’s Voice (TPV), a website known for publishing misinformation. The original article from TPV incorrectly ties the AHA’s definition of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome to COVID-19 vaccines, leading to the misleading social media posts. This type of misinformation is particularly harmful as it can create unnecessary fear and hesitancy towards vaccination. Also, it leads to more and more people doubting the safety of vaccines and widespread rejection of necessary vaccinations. As we can see with the rising number of anti-vaxxers. Vaccination has been crucial in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is essential to recognise the sources of such claims and scrutinise their credibility. The People’s Voice has a history of spreading unverified and sensationalised information. We have done several fact checks regarding WHO’s surveillance powers, Japan banning vaccinated people from blood donation, the explosion of mRNA cancers, and many more. When encountering alarming health claims, especially on social media, it is important to cross-check with reputable sources before trusting those.
What is cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome?
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome is a serious condition characterised by the interplay of multiple health issues. It is mainly driven by the high prevalence of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. This syndrome comprises the overlapping risks and conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and metabolic processes. It is a comprehensive health issue that signifies the complex and interconnected nature of modern health problems.
The American Heart Association has highlighted the condition as a growing public health concern due to its widespread impact on the global population. The syndrome is a marker for severe health risks, and addressing it requires a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on prevention, early detection, and management of the contributing factors.
What are the potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
The American Heart Association has acknowledged that COVID-19 vaccines, like all vaccines, can have side effects. These can include rare cases of heart health issues like heart inflammation (myocarditis) and blood clots. However, these side effects are extremely rare. Plus, the benefits of vaccination in preventing COVID-19, which can also cause severe cardiovascular issues, far outweigh the risks.
COVID-19 itself poses significant health risks, including severe respiratory illness, long-term health complications, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Vaccination is a critical tool in minimising these risks and controlling the spread of the virus. The development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has significantly reduced the incidence (new cases of a particular disease) of severe disease, hospitalisations, and deaths associated with the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) continually monitor vaccine safety and provide updated information on potential side effects. Their extensive surveillance systems ensure that any emerging concerns are promptly addressed and communicated to the public.
Conclusion
The claim that COVID vaccines cause heart defects is false. And, 90% of vaccinated people have not developed deadly heart defects. It is not supported by any scientific evidence. Also, it misrepresents the findings of an unrelated study. It is essential to critically evaluate such claims and rely on verified information from reputable sources. For accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines and potential side effects, consult trusted health organisations such as the American Heart Association, the CDC, and the WHO.
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