COVID-19 Symptoms & Heart Patients

Symptoms from lung injury or disease are the same for people with and without heart disease.

If you experience coronavirus symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience severe breathing problems, have lasting chest pain or pressure, your lips or face turn bluish or you get confused, you should call 911 immediately.

Getting Help for Heart Attacks and Strokes

Heart attacks and strokes are medical emergencies that need to be addressed as soon as you recognize symptoms. Call 911 or go to an emergency room.

The stay-at-home order is an important part of limiting coronavirus spread, but it does not apply to people experiencing medical emergencies.

Outcomes for both a heart attack or a stroke are heavily tied to how quickly care is received, so do not be afraid to go to the hospital if you experience symptoms of either condition. Hospitals are still safe places to go for care.

Symptoms of heart attack can include:

Chest pain or discomfort Feeling weak, light-headed or faint

Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders Shortness of breath Symptoms of stroke can include:

Weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body Confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause Protecting Yourself Because people with heart disease are at higher risk, they need to take extra precautions to stay safe in this pandemic.

Avoiding the Virus

If you have a cardiovascular condition, be especially vigilant about protecting yourself from the virus.

Pay extra attention to handwashing, do not touch your face, eyes or nose, and wear a mask or covering on your face for precaution. If you can’t have groceries or other essentials delivered to you follow these grocery shopping safety tips.

● Practicing Hearthealthy Lifestyle

Life in a pandemic is stressful, but now is not the time to let heart-healthy habits lapse. Being home may give you the opportunity to pay more attention to your health.

● Stay active inside the house

If you have exercise equipment, continue to use it. If not, get exercise by walking around the house or going up and down the steps works — just be active. Take this chance to modify your diet. Change your cooking habits and eat healthy meals that benefit you in the long term.

● Manage your stress

The added stress of the pandemic is an opportunity for you to assess your stress levels and whether your stress management techniques are effective.

● Quit Smoking

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. Smokers may have reduced lung capacity, which will put them more at risk. Plus, the act of bringing a cigarette to your mouth provides a chance for the virus to be transmitted. Now is the time to quit smoking.

● Taking Heart Medications

Patients should continue taking their medications. We recommend patients refill at least a 90-day supply. In the short term, you may have the medications mailed to you via your pharmacy to limit pharmacy visits and unnecessary exposures.

● ACE Inhibitors and ARBS

There is a debate regarding certain antihypertensive medications, ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or brand name Lisinopril) and ARBS (angiotensin receptor blocker or brand name Losartan) that can make people prone to COVID-19 infection.