Did you know that coronavirus can be the reason for your heart problem? Research found coronavirus can affect your heart health in several ways. However, the good news is that you can prevent that by taking some preventive measures. So, learn how COVID affects your heart health and what measures you can take to prevent them in this article. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.

The Link Between COVID and Heart Health

COVID-19 is more closely linked to heart health than you think. COVID-19 can lead to underlying conditions such as hypertension or High blood pressure in many people who aren’t even aware of it. High blood pressure is a common risk of heart problems, like heart attack, and stroke, and can even lead to heart failure. Coronavirus can even directly affect your heart by causing a “blood storm” of inflammation in a person’s body and destroying the muscles of the heart.

Prolonged health conditions that affect the immune system can cause people with high blood pressure to have a higher risk of coronavirus. Evidence shows that people with hypertension are more likely to develop severe heart problems from the coronavirus. In the US, races like African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities, including Hispanics and Native Americans are more prone to have high blood pressure, which increases your risk of COVID-19 infection.

Aging is also another factor that weakens your immune system and increases your risk of getting infected with the coronavirus. A weak heart function can be another reason that COVID-19 can have a severe effect on it. A study conducted on 150 patients in Wuhan China, found that patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease had a significantly higher risk of death when they contracted COVID-19.

There is another possible reason the heart and lungs are interconnected. So, rapid breathing can automatically increase the pace of heart rate which is common when you get infected with coronavirus. If you have blocked arteries or weakened heart function, it makes it harder for your heart to circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body compared to a normal person. Over time, you may experience heart problems.

To sum up, COVID-19 can put you at risk of severe heart problems, especially if you have any underlying conditions like high blood pressure. Heart problems make you more prone to viral infections like coronavirus and flu.

Factors affecting your vulnerability- role of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

Researchers found that certain factors increase your vulnerability to heart problems after COVID-19. First is ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) which is a protein found in the cells in the lungs that allow the virus to invade these cells and cause respiratory problems. However, ACE2 also serves as a heart muscle cell and cells for blood vessels. So, if ACE2 is involved, then COVID-19 can directly damage your heart.

In several studies in Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus started, some people with COVID-19 developed myocardial injury and the death of heart cells before death other than a heart attack. Around 20% of 416 hospitalized patients in Wuhan showed signs of heart damage. This complication increases the mortality rate in the patients and half of the people lose their life because of it.

Other than that, this protein also plays a part in a wide-range system of hormones called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system which manages blood pressure and cardiovascular and kidney function. Drugs like ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers that are used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and cardiovascular disease may prevent ACE from producing a protein called angiotensin II, which increases blood pressure in the arteries.

Some evidence in animals shows these drugs can lead to more ACE2 protein in cells in the heart. Until more research has been done, it is recommended that people with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or heart failure continue taking these medications. For those who are infected with COVID-19, the conditions of the heart itself can put you in danger. So, you shouldn’t stop your medications.

Prevention care

COVID-19 may cause severe heart conditions, especially in people with high blood pressure. However, certain ways can help you prevent coronavirus and maintain good health, including:

• Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to prevent coronavirus. Make sure you stay up to date with vaccine booster shots.
• Take medications regularly to manage your blood pressure and other health conditions.
• Keep the over-the-counter medicines in stock to treat a fever and other symptoms if you get sick. However, avoid medications like ibuprofen and naproxen unless it is prescribed by the doctor as they can increase your blood pressure.
• Stay at home if you notice symptoms of COVID infection and limit your contact with other people as much as you can.
• Avoid crowded places and anyone who looks sick. Wear a face mask in public places where there is a risk of high transmission.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after coming from outside, using the bathroom, or touching commonly used surfaces like countertops and doorknobs. You can also carry hand sanitizer to clean your hands if washing your hands is not possible.
• Limit your alcohol and caffeine. If you like to drink coffee, limit it to 2 cups daily.
• Manage your stress levels as it is very common during covid outbreaks. Stress is a common factor that increases the risk of high blood pressure. So, try to manage your stress by using stress relieving techniques.

Besides, you need to follow some basic tips for good health like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep to improve overall health.

COVID-19 and heart health are interconnected. Coronavirus can cause high blood pressure, affect ACE protein, and reduce oxygen levels which can lead to heart problems. Whereas heart problems can make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. So, in a way, both affect each other and make your condition severe. The good news is with preventive measures you can prevent both coronavirus and heart problems. So, add preventive care to your routine and prevent these conditions. If you develop symptoms of any one of those, you should immediately visit your doctor for treatment and prevent further complications.

If you experience symptoms of heart problems after COVID-19 infection, visit our cardiology clinic to get professional medical help which ensures you get better with treatment. Call us on +1(347) 384-5690. The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Heart Specialist Brooklyn can greatly improve their patient’s health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.