The double whammy of an overwhelmed healthcare and a paralysed economy are the twin heartaches that the SARS CoV2 virus has brought upon humankind. For heart disease patients and physicians who treat them, there is a third jeopardy — the impact of Covid-19 on the heart.
Increased vulnerability: The elderly and patients of heart disease and diabetes have been found to be particularly vulnerable to contracting severe Covid-19 infection when exposed and developing serious complications. These patients should particularly be careful.
Heart attacks: In patients with severe Covid-19 infections, scientists have noted that there is an increased tendency to form clots in the arteries. This can potentially mean the development of heart attacks or clots in the lungs.
Heart muscle affliction by coronavirus: Covid-19 infection affects multiple systems in the body. Though most patients are affected through the lung and respiratory system, a good number of Covid-19 deaths are due to cardiac reasons. The virus afflicts the heart muscle cell causing inflammation that weakens the pumping efficiency of the heart. This condition, known as ‘Myocarditis,’ is an important cause of death due to Covid-19 infection. Even when not fatal, this condition can potentially cripple the patient for long periods of time.
Hypertension & Diabetes: Covid-19 and the consequent lockdown also meant that patients of diabetes and hypertension may have missed regular check-ups. These patients are also vulnerable in terms of Covid-19 and so the emphasis, especially for elderly patients with chronic diseases, is to self-monitor blood sugar and blood pressure.
Blood pressure medications: The SARS Cov2 virus enters human tissue by latching on to a receptor on the surface of the cells. This receptor, called ACE2 receptor, is increased many folds in patients taking certain medicines for blood pressure. Early during the pandemic, a concern was raised that patients on these medicines may contract severe Covid-19 infection. But with more and more scientific data pouring in, it is now clear that these BP medicines do not cause any harm during the pandemic. Patients are advised by their physicians not to stop any BP medicines.
(The author is a consultant in interventional cardiology)
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks