NATIONAL HEART CENTRE RESPONDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ABOUT WOMAN’S DEATH

The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) and the National University Heart Centre Singapore (NUHCS) have issued a joint statement addressing several social media posts relating to the death of a female heart patient 9 months after her second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Here is their statement:

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐍𝐔𝐇𝐂𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐇𝐂𝐒

We are aware of social media posts circulating online about the demise of a female heart patient nine months after her second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The patient did not report feeling unwell nor had any allergic reaction after vaccination for both doses in April 2021.

The patient was first admitted to the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) for management of her cardiac condition in July 2021. At the time, COVID-19 vaccination was not assessed to be a direct cause of her heart failure. Other causal factors such as genetic causes were considered, taking into account her family history. Later in September, the patient underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) heart scan, with the results suggestive of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (i.e. disease of the heart muscle) as the underlying cause of her condition.

The patient sought a second opinion and treatment for her cardiac condition at National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) in December 2021. During her hospitalisation, the medical team discussed with her and her family on how to better manage her cardiac condition with various device implantation options. As the patient needed time to consider the options, a follow-up appointment was scheduled in January 2022. Unfortunately, she passed away a day prior to the appointment. NHCS has met with the patient’s family and addressed their concerns.

We are saddened by her passing and would like to extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. The case was referred to the Coroner and investigations showed that the cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy. We seek the public’s understanding to avoid speculation or spreading of rumours that may add to the family’s grief during this difficult time.