It is very vital to monitor your heart health specially if you have been diagnosed with hypertension or heart disease. However, the COVID-19 has left lots of people wondering what is best and the safest way to get care. Delaying care because of fear of COVID-19 could lead to long-term health consequences.

Importance Of Taking Care Of Your Heart

Not being diligent with your cardiac plan or skipping an appointment could lead to long-term health issues. It could as well put you at a higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19. A person with heart disease has a weak immune system that makes it difficult to resist infections. A different concern is that COVID-19 might harm the cardiovascular system which is a serious issue for those already managing hypertension, heart failure, or heart disease. The good news is there are plenty of things you could do to stay safe and healthy during this time of the outbreak.

Tips On How To Manage Heart Conditions

Managing stress, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are just some of the many ways on how you can manage your hypertension and heart disease. However, uncertainty and stay-at-home protocols at this time have made it a little more challenging. The stress of outbreak and not being able to go out and be active could make it harder to manage your condition. Here are some of which you can do even at home;

• Follow the advice of your doctor including taking medications as prescribed
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Talk with your doctor about prescriptions that could raise your blood pressure to avoid over-the-counter medications that might interfere with your blood pressure
• Monitor your blood pressure with an at-home blood pressure cuff
• Make healthy eating your priority by cooking at home
• Be creative to stay active. You can go for a walk and try to exercise.

If you’ll be doing some of the tips outside your household, make sure to follow health protocols such as the washing of hands, social distancing, and cough/sneeze etiquette.

Tips On How To Prevent Heart Conditions

Manage Anxiety And Stress 

Anxiety and stress are at all-time highs right now. It may manifest in several ways from being unenthusiastic to be active and eat healthily. These could be troubling as anxiety and stress and might impact your blood pressure. Eating an unhealthy diet may ultimately lead to a higher risk of heart complications. Make your mental health a priory and gain physical benefits such as;

• Eating healthy
• 5 days a week exercise for at least 20-30 minutes
• Talking to a mental health professional
• Connecting with family and friends virtually
• Meditating
• Sweating out by cleaning your house

Know Where And When To Seek Help

Make sure you know what to do if your symptoms get worse or you experience a life-threatening emergency. Call for emergency help right away if you have these symptoms;

• Difficulty speaking or breathing
• Loss of vision
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Back or chest pain
• A rise in blood pressure (if you have a cuff, monitor for 180/120 or above)