Cardiovascular Health with the Rise of COVID-19

 


How does COVID-19 cause heart damage?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can damage the heart in many ways. For example, the virus may directly attack or burn the heart muscle, and it may indirectly damage the heart by disrupting the balance between oxygen supply and demand. Heart damage, not measured by high levels of the enzyme troponin in the blood, was found in about one-third of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. In these patients, about one-third have pre-existing CVD.

  

Inflammation of the heart muscle

Most people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and fully recover. However, about 20 percent will develop pneumonia, and about 5% will have a serious illness. In the severe form of COVID-19, the immune system overreacts to the virus, releasing inflammatory molecules called cytokines into the bloodstream.

 

Increased demand for oxygen and a decrease in oxygen supply leads to heart damage

Fever and infection cause rapid heartbeat, which increases heart function in COVID-19 patients who develop pneumonia. Blood pressure can drop or rise, causing more stress on the heart, and an increase in the result of oxygen demand can lead to heart damage, especially if the arteries or muscles were initially unhealthy.

Heart damage is usually caused by a heart attack, which is caused by the formation of a blood clot in the coronary arteries, blocking the delivery of oxygen to the heart muscle. Inflammation associated with COVID-19 raises the risk of this type of heart attack by activating the cardiovascular system and disrupting blood vessels. When it swells, the membrane loses its ability to resist the formation of plaque. These blood vessels in the arteries and veins cut off their supply of oxygen. Increased thickening can also lead to the formation of blood clots in the lungs, which can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. Severe pneumonia continuously lowers blood oxygen levels. When oxygen demand exceeds supply, the heart muscle is damaged.

 

Acquiring a silver lining and reducing risk with a healthy lifestyle

People with CVD who take healthy behaviors can strengthen their immune system against COVID-19 while reducing the long-term risk of the cardiovascular disease itself. This means a lot of exercises and following a healthy diet like a Mediterranean diet. Cook at home if you can, and go out with friends if your gym is temporarily closed. Buy an inexpensive and easy-to-use monitor to measure your blood pressure at home. Also, continue to follow the CDC safety guidelines for wearing a mask, body distance, and avoiding large gatherings.

 

Heart Clinic in Thane

 

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