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Covid And Heart Health: Timely Treatment For Heart Patients Diagnosed With COVID

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"With the recent resurgence of COVID-19 infection, it's very pertinent to know the cardiovascular manifestation of the COVID-19 virus", Dr. Brajesh Kumar Mishra, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram.

Written by Tavishi Dogra | Updated : January 18, 2024 6:40 PM IST

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Severity Of COVID-19

Depending upon the severity of the infection, this may lead to Heart attack, chest pain, and stroke. Dysrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Heart failure and non-ischæmic cardiomyopathy. Clot formation and its migration (embolism) deep vein thrombosis. Pericarditis and Myocarditis are inflammations of the inner lining of the heart.

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COVID-19 And Cardiac Disease

Coronavirus causes intense inflammation throughout the body, and its severest form may contribute to increased risk. Foam cells (cholesterol-laden macrophages) accumulate within the wall of arteries to form plaque. The research papers have shown that foam cells are more susceptible to infection than macrophages. This also explains why people with cardiac disease are at a high-risk subset for infection with covid 19 are.  Also Read - NIPT during pregnancy: How this blood test helps detect rare genetic conditions early

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SARS-CoV-2 VIRUS

It also led to direct invasion of the arterial wall, causing inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques and leading to more heart attacks. This heightened risk persists for a year. Clot formation in the veinous system and pulmonary embolism is also a life-threatening complication of covid 19.

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Rhythm Disturbances Are Common

A slowing heart rate or faster beating, like atrial fibrillation, is typical. Arrhythmic tendencies are mainly due to hypoxia, anxiety, dehydration, and dyselectrolytemia but may also be a side effect of medications. In severe form, COVID may lead to direct invasion of tissue and activation of Immune mechanisms, causing myocarditis, pericarditis, and heart failure.  Also Read - Castor oil vs coconut oil: Which one works best for new hair growth in summer?

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Stress Mechanism

Because of all these mechanisms and stress, the left heart may become dysfunctional suddenly and dilate, causing Takatsubo cardiomyopathy and Brocken heart syndrome. Hand hygiene, safe distancing, masks, and vaccination can prevent the coronavirus. It's better to prevent it.