People who are infected with coronavirus and with underlying conditions have different care as they may be at a higher risk. The lungs and the heart are working together to maintain oxygenation. If the lung is affected by a respiratory illness like coronavirus, the heart might be affected as well. The heart should work hard to pump blood which may be even harder for someone with heart disease.
You need to be more careful if you have any form of cardiovascular disease. Practice social distancing and other preventive measures to protect yourself from getting the infection. Various heart patients might have a higher risk of getting the disease and if they get it, they may be more prone. The virus can cause heart vessel or muscle damage which results in severe problems.
Risk of Infection
The elderly may have weaker immune response systems that can put them at a higher risk of infection. These patients have to take extra precautions and continue their medications. Those with high blood pressure especially the younger ones may not be significantly at a higher risk compared to others.
Risk Of Complications If Infected
• In general, people with hypertension or coronary artery disease over 65 years old could be at greater risk of severe effects. These people should take extra precautions to avoid the virus.
• People with heart disease or those who had a stroke are already at a higher risk of complications from coronavirus. The virus can damage the heart and slow down the blood flow to the heart and brain of the patient.
• People with congenital heart disease specifically those with congenital defects that have not been surgically amended might be at a greater risk of problems. If affected by the coronavirus, they are at high risk as the circulation of their blood has already been compromised.
• People with PAD or peripheral artery disease are also at increased risk of complications from coronavirus. Many of these people have heart disease and diabetes that are among the more critical underlying conditions that might worsen the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Symptoms And Heart Patients
Understand that some lung symptoms are also the same as those of heart problems. These symptoms include chest discomfort and shortness of breath and do not always indicate coronavirus disease. These may indicate a serious heart problem that needs medical attention. If you have lasting chest pain, severe breathing problems, get confused, call for emergency help right away.
How To Protect Yourself
People with heart disease are at higher risk and they need to take extra precautionary measures to stay safe during a pandemic.
1. Avoiding the virus
You need to pay extra attention to handwashing, not touching your nose, eyes, or face, and wearing a mask.
2. Practice heart-healthy lifestyle
It is stressful that half a year we have a pandemic but now is the time to let heart-healthy habits lapse. Be active even at home, modify your diet, manage your stress, and if possible quit smoking.
3. Take heart medications
Patients with heart disease should continue their medications. It is recommended to have at least a 90-day supply of your prescriptions. It is to help you limit unnecessary exposures and limit pharmacy visits.
