The Covid-19 impact on heart can be very painful. Heart patients must take extra care and try to consult doctor immediately.
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:
- Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meats.
- Avoiding smoking and drinking.
- Staying active by doing at least 30 minutes of light physical activity every day.
- Keeping a check on your vital signs such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and sugar.
- 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/
