The appearance of irregular heartbeats following a Covid infection or vaccination has been reported by many patients, according to a cardiac specialist from the Monzino Cardiology Centre in Milan. The symptoms, described as extrasystoles, are typically felt as an alteration of the heartbeat and may be related to the body’s immune response rather than a direct correlation between the viral infection and the irregular heartbeats.
The specialist also mentioned that extrasystoles can be a transient alteration of the heartbeat with no clinical relevance in many cases, especially for a young woman with a healthy lifestyle. However, it could still be useful to carry out some basic tests, especially for those who practice sports.
The recommended exams include an echocardiogram, a 24-hour Holter ECG, an exercise test on the cycle ergometer, routine blood tests, and an evaluation of thyroid function. Once the results of these tests are obtained, an outpatient cardiology visit with an ECG for a final evaluation is recommended.
It is possible that the extrasystoles may progressively decrease spontaneously over time as the body moves away from the Covid infection. However, for greater safety, conducting these tests and evaluations is important, especially for those experiencing irregular heartbeats following a Covid infection or vaccination.