Since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, misinformation has consistently surfaced on social media platforms, raising unnecessary fear and confusion. One of the latest viral messages claims that individuals aged 40 to 60 who received the COVID vaccine are at risk of sudden heart attacks due to hardened blood vessels and resultant clotting. The message, widely circulated on WhatsApp and other social platforms, even suggests taking a D-Dimer test to detect blood clots, adding to public anxiety.
This message falsely attributes the warning to a press release from ESI Hospital in Pathalam, Kalamassery. However, upon investigating, Manorama Online’s Fact Check team contacted the hospital directly. Hospital authorities confirmed that no such advisory had been issued, and they officially denounced the circulating message as fake and misleading through an official press release.
The D-Dimer test, which measures a protein fragment linked to blood clots, is a legitimate medical test but is not a general screening tool for healthy individuals. Medical experts emphasize that while research into potential side effects of the COVID vaccine continues, there is no conclusive evidence linking the vaccine to increased risk of blood clots or heart attacks. Although isolated cases of myocarditis have been reported, especially among younger individuals, they remain rare and often mild.
Conclusion:
The claim that the COVID-19 vaccine causes blood clots or sudden heart attacks is not supported by medical evidence. Always rely on verified sources and consult healthcare professionals for accurate information.
