365TELUGU.COM ONLINE NEWS,Kondapur,SEPTEMBER 28TH,2021:The most vital organ in the human body is the Heart. One can’t survive if it doesn’t work. So, we have to be cautious about heart ailments. We need to follow several rules to save ourselves. Many lost lives due to Covid-19 in these two years. Millions are still suffering from post-Covid symptoms. Covid’s impact is severe on the heart in some cases.
29th of September is observed as International Heart Day every year. Doctors try to aware people of heart ailments, post-surgical precautions through different platforms. The medical fraternity is worrying about the rising heart ailments post covid. Those who are already having heart-related issues are also worried about Covid-19. On the eve of International Heart Day, doctors suggest people who are already suffering from heart ailments about the precautions they have to take and clear their doubts.
1. I am I at more risk of getting COVID-19 than somebody who doesn’t have a heart condition?
No – the infection can be caught by anyone. However, people with underlying heart Conditions might be more likely to show symptoms of the infection or to have a more Severe infection than others.
2. Have read that the coronavirus can cause heart problems such as heart attack or Arrhythmias, is
This true?
Based on the inflammatory effects of the virus, there are theoretical risks that the viral infection could cause rupture of atherosclerotic plaques (fatty deposits) in the coronary arteries, leading to acute coronary syndromes (heart attack). Individuals who experience severe chest discomfort during symptoms of Corona virus should call the health care advice team immediately. Severe systemic inflammatory conditions may aggravate arrhythmias or even trigger atrial fibrillation in some individuals.
3. Are cardiac patients who also have diabetes and/or hypertension at greater risk?
Data from China, where the disease emerged, indicate that a significant proportion on non-survivors and those who developed severe disease had comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. The exact reason for this remains unclear. It is likely both hypertension and diabetes are prevalent in the general population particularly in the age group (over 70 years) where the mortality from COVID-19 infection is highest. There has been an article linking this observation to the use of Angiotensin converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (A2RB/ARB) which are common medications used to treat high blood pressure. It is important to emphasize that this is a theory which has yet to be substantiated by evidence. Major health organizations such as the European Society of Cardiology, British Cardiac Society and the American Heart Association recommend continuing these medications (since their beneficial effects are well known) whilst monitoring the disease progress of patients with hypertension and diabetes.
4. Are there any additional measures that I should take to limit my risk of getting sick, as I have a
Heart condition?
– Avoid people who are sick.
– Keep a two-meters distance from other individuals whenever possible.
– Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.13
– Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or cough into the inside of your elbow.
– Cover your nose with a tissue when you sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
– Clean often touched surfaces like doorknobs, handles, steering wheels, or light switches, with a disinfectant to remove the virus.
– Stay at home as much as possible, including working from home if this is feasible.
– If you have symptoms of fever (a temperature of 37.8°C or above), cough or a chest infection you should self-isolate.
– In some countries you may be asked to follow a stricter isolation.
5. Can I take vitamins or other food supplements? Which ones? Do they protect me against the
COVID-19?
Taking formulated vitamins will not protect you against COVID-19. Several agents (including vitamin C, hydroquinone and antivirals) are currently being tested for their effects in COVID-19, but no trustworthy confirmatory data are available as yet. A diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit is generally recommended at all times – not just during COVID-19 – to help your body maintain a working immune system. Fresh vegetables and fruits contain a much broader range of necessary nutrients than vitamin pills. Therefore, it is always better to eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit than trying to compensate with formulated nutrients. Having said that, some individuals might indeed lack specific vitamins or (micro) nutrients. In this case, you’re GP or attending physician will be able to offer advice. When taking formulated vitamins, please make sure your intake does not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Some vitamins might harm you if taken in too high doses, and some supplements can interact negatively with your heart medicines.
6. Should I change any of my heart medication doses?
Answer: No- Please take all your medications exactly as prescribed. If in doubt, please contact your doctor or nurse but do not make any changes before having spoken to them. After recovery it's advisable to consult cardiologist for further assistance Till now there is insufficient data regarding long-term complications, we need wait for the evidence Regular exercise Control your blood pressure and diabetes, cholesterol Stay at healthy weight Eat healthy diet Quit smoking Limit alcohol intake Manage stress Good sleep Heart diseases can be congenital (by birth) or acquired Causes for acquired heart diseases uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol Smoking Alcohol Obesity Sedentary lifestyle Unhealthy dietary habits