RISK OF HEART DISEASES SOARS EVEN AFTER 1 YEAR OF COVID-19 INFECTION

Recently, there is an increasing trend of post-covid heart diseases particularly in younger individuals (less than 40 years). In a new study, researchers have found that, even a mild case of Covid-19 can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular problems for at least a year after diagnosis. After recovering from the illness’s acute phase, patients had increased risks of an array of cardiovascular problems, including abnormal heart rhythms, heart muscle inflammation, blood clots, strokes, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory or lung system, but it can also affect parts of the heart. Temporary or lasting damage to the heart tissue can be due to several factors. Inflammation and fluid filling up air sacs in lungs makes less oxygen available for blood; during this time, hearts will have a tougher time pumping blood through the body; insufficient oxygen causes cell death and tissue damage in organs like the heart.

Coronavirus infection is not just limited to the inner surfaces of veins and arteries, but can also lead to inflammation, damage in very small vessels, and blood clots, all of which can compromise blood flow to the heart or other parts of the body.

Viral infections can cause cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disorder that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. When attacked by a virus, the body undergoes stress and releases a surge of chemicals called catecholamines, which can stun the heart.

The cardiovascular complications of acute coronavirus disease 2019 are well described, but the post-acute cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 have not yet been comprehensively characterized. One needs to be extra careful and take utmost care in ensuring holistic wellness.

Pay attention & watch for the following symptoms, if you were infected with Covid-19 in the past 1 year.

• Increasing or extreme shortness of breath with exertion
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the ankles
• Heart palpitations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Not being able to lie flat without shortness of breath
• Waking up at night
• Light-headedness
• Dizzy spells

Dr. Naveen Krishna

MD, DM (PGI Chandigarh)
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
Star Hospitals

For Appointments, Call: 040 4477 7700