While the world’s largest vaccination drive is at its peak to defeat the COVID pandemic, yet it becomes very important to prevent acquiring the infection by taking adequate precautions and also to identify patients who are at high risk for developing complications from COVID -19.

Patients who are older, smokers, obese, diabetic or already have heart, lung, or kidney problems are at a higher risk.  Heart patients are especially at a higher risk as most of them are elderly and have other co-morbid conditions. In addition, COVID-19 infection itself can also lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. In fact, some of the medications given to treat COVID-19 infection can also precipitate fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

It is the duty of every citizen to follow the safety norms, wear masks, sanitize themselves, and avoid outdoor activities unless necessary. While the healthcare structure and the frontline workers are striving hard to save lives and stop the spread of this deadly disease, we as responsible citizens should do our part. Following a healthy lifestyle is not only good amid the pandemic crisis but also ensures healthy well-being in the long run as well” said Dr. Ripen Gupta, Director  & Unit Head – Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.

Several new studies also reveal that the patients with pre-existing heart conditions are highly vulnerable to catch the infection and vice versa that the virus is also responsible for damaging the heart muscles. Though the researches are still underway whether the consequences are short-termed or long-termed, the COVID 19 infection leads to the inflammation of the heart muscles, a condition known as myocarditis.

As the virus does not affect the heart muscles directly but triggers the formation of anti-inflammatory bodies known as cytokines, which attack the heart muscles and reduces their pumping efficiency. This is long-term or as a consequence of the COVID response, can lead to heart failure due to continuous damage to the heart muscles.

In nutshell, prevention is better than cure and this is all the more important for heart patients as they are at a higher risk of complications. Even if a heart patient develops a COVID-19 infection, he should not be disheartened as most will recover without any complications.

About the author- Dr. Ripen Gupta, Director  & Unit Head – Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket