Covid-19 can wreck your heart: Cardiac issues, including heart attack, rise by 50% during pandemic

Doctors say extremely low temperature and post-COVID complications are key contributors behind the reported rise in cardiac issues.

By: Satata Karmakar | Edited by: Satata Karmakar | | Published: January 4, 2021 11:29 am

Cardiac issues,heart attacks rise by 50% during Covid-19 pandemic

As the mercury continues to fall in bone-chilling winter, a contrasting scenario is being reported in hospitals of Delhi-NCR. The fast-dipping temperature and post-COVID-19 trauma have led to a rise in cases of heart-related issues. Also Read - Coronavirus may cause sperm damage; Ways to boost male fertility

Hospitals are witnessing at least 50 per cent rise in such cases in comparison to last winter. The cases, including heart attacks and strokes, have significantly increased, doctors told the media. Also Read - EU meets drug giants for rapid development of vaccines against new COVID-19 variants

Increase In The Number Of Patients

Medanta Hospital in Gurugram said it has seen 50 per cent rise in patients coming with heart issues since the start of December. Also Read - Vitamins and potential antivirals might be able to combat COVID-19

Aakash Healthcare in Delhi said since the last two months, the average patient count coming with cardiac issues has increased in the hospital.

It is now receiving an average 500 patients since November which was around 300 patients in previous years during winters.

Key Contributors To The Rise In Heart Patients

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is also witnessing a spike in cases of heart attacks and angina in the past 3 weeks.

Doctors said that extremely low temperature and post-COVID complications are the key contributors behind the reported rise in cardiac issues among the public.

– Frigid temperatures constrict blood vessels that increase blood pressure which makes it suffer a heart attack or stroke.

– Covid-19 is also playing a major factor since it affects the circulatory system of the body. If you catch the virus, you are at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. COVID makes the blood thicker and hence blocks arteries.

Rise In Heart-Related Cases During Winters

Dr Anil Saxena, Director, Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi, said that the risk of rising in heart-related cases is a common phenomenon during winters. However, Covid-19 is aggravating the issue further this year.

“Many patients with COVID infection are getting complications due to inflammation in the arteries and heart muscle itself. This may complicate matters for heart patients,” he added.

Covid-19 And Heart Diseases

The COVID-19 has substantially affected the hearts of its patients, especially those with pre-existing heart problems or other comorbidities.

Having an incurable viral infection like COVID-19 during winters can increase the risk of heart failure or heart attack. This is because blood vessels in the body become more constricted due to exposure to extremely cold temperatures in winters that can restrict blood flow to the body and to the heart.

Heart Diseases Post Covid-19

A study published in JAMA Cardiology medical journal claimed that:

– 78 per cent of Covid recovered patients have abnormalities in the heart while 60 per cent have an ‘ongoing myocardial inflammation’.

– It also found higher levels of Troponins, the blood enzyme which indicates heart damage, among the study subjects.

Meanwhile, the patients, with existing heart ailments, who have been delaying regular check-ups amid the pandemic, are now coming with aggrieved condition.

Dip In Temperature And Heart Diseases

While a dip in temperature is the major cause here, the pandemic has made this situation even grimmer.

The patients with existing heart ailments who have been delaying regular check-ups are the worst-hit. They are turning in with aggravated condition of their disease.

Doctors advised that people with heart conditions and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past few months need to remain watchful and take extra care to prevent any fatal heart condition during winters.

Covid-19 Infected Patients May Not Show Symptoms

It is important to note that many patients with COVID infection have minimal symptoms but can still have sudden and severe complications. Therefore, one has to be especially watchful for any symptoms of heart disease.

– Any chest discomfort or sudden difficulty in breathing should not be neglected.

– One should seek medical care whenever such symptoms occur.

– Prompt treatment of heart disease can minimize damage to the heart and save lives.

According to experts, patients should undergo regular screening tests to check their heart health. Besides, the standard of care practices should be applied, such as avoiding fried food and alcohol, layering of warm clothes, and regular exercise.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published : January 4, 2021 11:29 am

India soon to start world's largest Covid-19 vaccination programme: PM Modi

Vaccine usage alert for Covid-19: A guide to safely get the coronavirus vaccine shot

About The health Site

Useful Links