What do heart patients need to know about COVID-19 coronavirus?

Here’s how coronavirus can affect your heart and what you can do about it.

With the development of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in the world, scientists have gradually gained new knowledge about the virus and how it actually affects us. From almost the very beginning when they could not predict the consequences and effects, medical experts today recognize that the risk groups for coronavirus are older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions that include heart disease. As heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in the world, but also in Croatia, the current coronavirus pandemic raises some important questions for them.

COVID-19 and HEART

The new coronavirus is a respiratory disease, which means that it mainly affects the lungs. But when the lungs are not working at full power, the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood through the body. This additional stress can be dangerous for heart patients.

COVID-19 poses a risk to people whose basic health conditions include:

Coronary heart disease

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Previously experienced stroke

People in these groups are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus and may develop more severe symptoms. Older adults with heart disease can also be particularly vulnerable. But if you have heart disease at any age, you should be aware of the possible risks of COVID-19. Numerous world scientists and medical experts continue to report that not much is known about this specific virus, but that it is certainly reasonable to assume that everyone who has heart disease, including younger patients, is at higher risk of contracting with more severe symptoms.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION FOR HEART PATIENTS

For patients in high-risk groups, it does not necessarily mean that they will be infected with the COVID-19 virus, but if they become ill, they are more likely to develop more severe symptoms and forms of infection, and treatment can be longer and more demanding. It is important to follow the instructions of the Headquarters and the relevant health authorities and stay at home. In case of necessary socialization, be sure to keep a distance.

As usual, infection prevention is the best remedy, and that means following these instructions;

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t get to the sink, use a detergent with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your face.

Clean and disinfect surfaces you touch such as keys, light switches, telephones and keyboards (which we use very often).

Stay at home, especially if you belong to a risk group, avoid all types of social contacts, there is no need to be exposed to the virus.

Practice social distancing.

Keep a distance of 2 meters between you and other people if you already have to get out of the house.

Get supplies of prescription drugs .

What to do if you think you have coronavirus?

If you develop possible symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough and fever, here's what you should (and shouldn't) do:

Do: Call your doctor for advice on next steps. Your doctor will know if you need to be tested and what the procedure is next and where to start.

Do not: Stop taking prescription drugs without consulting a doctor. It is not yet clear exactly how the drugs can affect COVID-19. But it is certain that for patients taking medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes, it may be dangerous to stop taking the medication. Therefore, it is recommended to take the prescribed therapies.

HEART PROTECTION DURING A PANDEMIC

One of the biggest risks for heart patients at the time of a pandemic will not have to do with the coronavirus infection itself. These are potential situations where patients will not seek emergency care despite the need. Some people will feel the symptoms of heart disease but because of the risk of a pandemic they will not go to the clinic or the emergency room. But one should always keep in mind that early treatment of heart symptoms saves lives.

In case of any of the following heart symptomsWhat do heart patients need to know about COVID-19 coronavirus?, be sure to seek help:

chest pain or discomfort

heavy breathing

weakness in the body