Myocarditis, when the heart muscle gets inflamed, can make it harder for the heart to pump blood possibly causing chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats. Pericarditis, when the thin lining around the heart (called the pericardium) becomes inflamed, can also cause sharp chest pain that feels worse when lying down.

The FDA has issued warnings regarding potential cardiac risks, specifically myocarditis and pericarditis, associated with the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. These risks are particularly elevated in young men,

U.S. health officials have expanded warnings about a rare heart side effect associated with the two leading COVID-19 vaccines.