Covid-19 and the Heart
The heart and lung work together in the body to maintain oxygenation. When the lung is affected by a respiratory illness like novel coronavirus (COVID19), the heart may also be affected. The heart must work hard to pump blood, which may be even more difficult for someone with heart disease.
Coronavirus Risk and Heart Problems
If you have any form of cardiovascular disease, you should be more cautious about COVID-19, practicing social distancing and other ways to prevent yourself from getting coronavirus. Some heart patients may have a higher risk of contracting the disease, and some may be more prone to complications if they get it. In addition, the virus can cause heart muscle or vessel damage, resulting in severe problems.
Risk of Infection
Older people may have weaker immune response systems that put them at higher risk of infection. These patients should take extra precautions and continue taking their medications, unless otherwise advised by their doctor.
Younger patients with only high blood pressure may not be at significantly higher risk compared to others. Risk of Complications If Infected
Generally, people over 65 years old with coronary artery disease or high blood pressure (often more prevalent in men) may be at greater risk of severe outcomes. These people and anyone with underlying conditions that heighten their risk for complications should take extra precautions to avoid the virus.
People with heart disease or those who have had a stroke are already at a higher risk of complications from COVID19. The virus may damage the heart and slow down a patient’s blood flow to the heart and brain.
Patients with congenital heart disease, especially in those whose congenital defects have not been surgically corrected, may be at a higher risk of complications if affected by COVID-19, as their blood circulation has already been compromised.
People with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at increased risk of complications from COVID-19 because many of these people also have diabetes and heart disease, which are among the more critical underlying conditions that worsen COVID-19 infection outcomes.