How does COVID Affect The Heart?
Although COVID-19 is seen as a disease that primarily affects the lungs, however, it is lesser-known that it can harm any organ in the human body as well. Complications arise more when Coronavirus starts affecting the human heart either directly or indirectly.
Coronavirus can cause inflammation in the muscles of the heart leading to Myocarditis. Moreover, the virus can also weaken the muscles of the heart making it unable to efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body which is also known as Cardiomyopathy.
Coronavirus increases the rate at which the heart beats leading to an increase in the demand for oxygen and on the other hand, the virus can also restrict the blood purification process in the body. This inconsistency of demand and supply of Oxygen can impact the heart indirectly.
To prevent this situation, regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation is extremely important in patients in the course of or Post COVID.
Can a person with COVID continue taking Cardiac / Diabetic medicines?
Yes. A person with COVID should continue the regular prescribed cardiac or diabetic medicines. Discontinuing the regular medicines might cause adverse effects in the patient suffering from COVID or any other diseases.
Clotting of Blood occurs in patients with COVID. Is it true?
COVID-19 can potentially cause blood clots. When a virus takes place in the human body it causes inflammation and can result in blood clots inside the blood vessels. Blood clotting in some form can be seen in most patients with severe Covid-19. If not treated in time, it may result in heart attack, brain stroke, loss of limb, etc.
How to Prevent Blood Clots in people with COVID?
D-dimer is the test done to identify the presence of blood clots.
Blood thinners are extremely helpful to treat people with increased prospects of blood clots.
Can a person with heart disease is at greater risk of COVID 19?
A person with or without heart disease can be at risk of COVID-19.
However, a COVID-19 patient without heart disease recovers faster than a person with heart disease. Therefore, proper care and timely treatment is essential especially when the patient presents with co-morbidities.
Can a Person with Heart disease get Vaccinated against COVID-19?
Patients with any kind of heart disease can get themselves Vaccinated without any worries. However, patients under the medication of Anticoagulants should get themselves tested for a particular test called INR and prior consultation with a Cardiologist is also necessary before getting vaccinated.
Care of Patients Post-COVID
Recovered patients after acute COVID-19 illness may continue to experience various difficulties including fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, etc. These difficulties may continue to persist for weeks and even months. It is advisable to remain cautious and vigilant for any symptoms worsening post-COVID and consult a doctor immediately to prevent further damage and untimely death.
Also Read: Heart Attack- What to do in an Emergency?
