COVID-19 AND THE HEART – WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that has wreaked havoc across the world. Since being declared a pandemic in early 2021, the number of global coronavirus cases have been consistently increasing, and it has become clear that no one is truly safe from this infection.

However, there are certain groups that are at higher risk of COVID-19. This includes heart patients or people at-risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In fact, research has found that people with cardiovascular disease are twice as likely to become severely sick from COVID-19.

In addition to this, specialist cardiologists and researchers have found evidence to suggest that the novel coronavirus can also have an effect on heart health.

As we are currently in the midst of the second wave of the pandemic, it is important to understand everything that we have learned about COVID-19 and heart health, in order to continue taking the best precautionary measures possible.

Does Heart Disease Increase the Risk of COVID-19?

In the early days of the pandemic, doctors had established a link between heart disease and COVID-19. However, it was not entirely clear how cardiovascular disease increased the risk of developing severe coronavirus cases. Now, scientists, researchers, and specialist cardiologists have developed some explanations.

Compromised Immunity

Firstly, heart disease such as weakened heart muscles or blocked arteries can compromise the body’s immune system. This makes it more difficult for the body to fight off the virus, leading to more complicated and severe symptoms.

Severity of Heart-Related Conditions

Secondly, COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, low oxygen levels, unstable blood pressures, and blood clotting. These are all possible outcomes of the virus that can become more severe for individuals who are already experiencing such heart conditions.

How Does COVID-19 Affect Cardiovascular Health?

Now we have understood why heart disease can increase the risk of the novel coronavirus. However, research has also shown that COVID-19 can affect heart health in previously healthy individuals.

In fact, specialist cardiologists in Dubai advise individuals to take as much preventive care as possible and seek medical treatment from a heart hospital in Dubai if you are experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of heart-related either during or post-coronavirus.

Here are some of the ways that COVID-19 can affect cardiovascular health:

Low Oxygen

Cases of coronavirus have been reported where patients experience inflammation and fluid fill up in the lungs. The lack of oxygen can cause cell death and tissue damage in the heart and other organs. It can also cause the heart to become overworked, which can lead to heart failure.

Inflammation

Inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis, typically occurs only in patients with advanced COVID-19 disease. This is caused when the coronavirus affects the heart directly, but it can also be caused by the body producing its own cytokine storm to fight off the virus.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which it becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. The stress that comes from severe cases of coronavirus may cause weakness, causing the heart to become stunned or weakened.

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 and Heart Disease

COVID-19 is a dangerous infection in itself. The risk it poses to cardiovascular health is especially alarming. And with no treatment available for this novel virus, it is extremely important to protect yourself.

The best way to stay protected is by following the government issued social distancing measures. In addition, avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, and maintain at least 6 inches distance from others.

If you are a heart patient, then keep up with your appointments with a heart hospital in Dubai such as German Heart Centre. The German Heart Centre is diligently following all social distancing protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of our patients.

Moreover, you can book a consultation with our specialist cardiologists in Dubai, if you are experiencing any heart-related concerns. Book an appointment now!

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