The Covid-19 pandemic impact on heart can be very painful if ignored and heart patients must take extra care. In case of heart attack or other emergencies, one should not ignore these symptoms and try to consult doctor immediately.  Timely treatment and management of  heart diseases is very important during this pandemic.

As the entire world fights the COVID-19 pandemic, heart patients are at a higher risk of complications because of the ailment and a weaker immune system. It is important to ensure treatment compliance, monitor vitals regularly, stay in constant touch with your doctor. With a balanced and healthy diet try to stay active. Building one’s immunity and taking precautions is also a key factor.

Heart patients must take extra care:

Elders and heart patients must take extra care during this difficult times. Better to engage in only light physical activity and take all precautions like social distancing and personal hygiene while at home. Never forget to maintain a safe distance from a person  with flu-like symptoms and covering  your face with a mask.

In patients with Covid infections, studies have proved that there is an increased tendency to form clots in the arteries. This can lead to heart attacks or clots in the lungs. The virus also affects the heart muscle cell that may cause inflammation and weaken heart (‘Myocarditis’).

Timely treatment for heart diseases is a must as a delay can cause severe complications. Hence  be aware of symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, giddiness, and loss of consciousness. If anyone in your family experiences any of these symptoms or develop complications such as an acute heart attack consult your doctor immediately.

Precautions for people with heart diseases :  

Some of  the precautions that should be taken by people with heart diseases are:

1. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meats.
2. Avoiding smoking and drinking.
3. Staying active by doing at least 30 minutes of light physical activity every day.
4. Keeping a check on your vital signs such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and sugar.
5. Managing stress by undertaking activities that will help you relax and unwind.

Should not delay or postpone any treatment:

Heart patients should not delay or postpone any treatment or ignore symptoms  due to Covid-19 fear  as it will further deteriorate their health.  There is more than 40% deduction in heart patients visit due to Covid-19 fear. Covid-19 also affects the heart in many ways but no need to panic. Patients with pre-existing heart diseases, previous heart attacks, or low-pumping efficiency of the heart (heart failure) are at a greater risk of developing serious Covid-19 infection.

Those above 60 years with hypertension or diabetes have a five times greater risk of dying from it. Therefore, heart patients must protect themselves should not be afraid to seek medical attention. New observations show that the virus can affect the heart in previously healthy individuals also. The virus can cause severe inflammatory responses in the body that affect the arteries and, also causes an increased tendency for clotting.

This can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and people of younger age groups may not be immune to that. No heart patient should delay or postpone any treatment due to undue fears over Covid-19 if the need arises. Heart patients should realize that timely treatment can save their lives.

Watch video: Use Heart … for society, your loved ones and you

Dr Mahantesh R. Charantimath
Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
Tathagat Heart Hospital at Mallige Medical Centre premises,
No. 31/32, Crescent Road, Bengaluru – 01
Phone : 080- 2235 7777 | 99003 56000
E-mail: mahanteshrc67@gmail.com
http://tathagathearthospital.com/

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The double whammy of an overwhelmed healthcare and a paralyzed economy are the twin heartaches that the SARS CoV2 virus has brought upon humankind. For heart disease patients and physicians who treat them there is a third jeopardy: the impact of Covid on heart. Let us examine this briefly.

The impact of Covid on heart:

1. Increased vulnerability: The elderly and patients of heart disease & diabetes have been found to be particularly vulnerable to contracting severe Covid-19 infection when exposed and developing serious complications. These patients should particularly be careful and practice using of masks and social distancing.

2. Heart attacks: In patients with severe Covid infections, scientists have noted that there is an increased tendency to form clots in the arteries. This can potentially mean development of heart attacks or clots in the lungs.

3. Heart muscle affliction by Corona virus: Covid infection affects multiple systems in the body. Though most patients are affected through the lung and respiratory symptoms predominate, a good number of Covid deaths are due to cardiac reasons. The virus afflicts the heart muscle cell causing inflammation and weakens the pumping efficiency of the heart. This condition known as ‘Myocarditis’ is an important cause of death due to Covid-19 infection. Even when not fatal, this condition can potentially cripple the patient for long periods of time

4. Hypertension & Diabetes: Covid-19 and the consequent lockdown also meant that patients of diabetes and hypertension may have missed regular check-ups. These patients are also vulnerable in terms of Covid and so the emphasis, especially for elderly patients with chronic diseases is to self-monitor blood sugar and blood pressure. Most hospitals and clinics have facility for tele- and video consultations and patients must make use of these to avoid unnecessary visit to the hospitals.

5. Blood pressure medications: The SARS Cov2 virus enters human tissue by latching on to a receptor on the surface of the cells. This receptor, called ACE2 receptor is increased many folds in patients taking certain medicines for Blood Pressure. Early during the Covid pandemic a concern was raised that patients on these medicines may contract severe Covid infection. But with more and more scientific data pouring in, it is now clear that these BP medicines do not cause any harm during the pandemic. Patients are reassured and advised by their Physicians not to stop any BP medicines.

Also Read: SMOKING CESSATION AT ANY STAGE HAS GREAT HEALTH BENEFITS

Dr. S Venkatesh, Lead Consultant
Interventional Cardiology, Aster RV Hospital
JP Nagar, Bengaluru

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