Effects of COVID-19 on the heart post recovery

Even many weeks after recovery from COVID-19, people have been reporting unfavorable health effects on the body. These symptoms are referred to as ‘long-haul’ symptoms that appear long after initial recovery. Though COVID-19 is known to primarily affect the health of our lungs, it also affects other organs as well with long-term health problems.

Why problems in the eart arise?

COVID-19 causes lasting damage to the heart by damaging the muscles, which can in turn interfere with overall functioning. This happens due to a few reasons, which are:

• Receptors of heart cells are damaged when the COVID virus attaches to them before entering the cells

• The inflammatory process that happens when the immune system fights against the COVID virus can damage healthy heart tissue

• COVID virus damages the inner linings of veins and arteries, thereby interfering with blood flow to the heart

Signs, symptoms, and conditions

Signs, symptoms, and conditions experienced may include, 

• The feeling of the heart beating rapidly

• The feeling of irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

• Discomfort in the chest

• Lightheadedness/dizziness (when standing)

• Severe fatigue

• Profuse sweating

• Persistent cough

• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention

• Loss/ lack of appetite

• Increased urge to urinate

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling of the ankles

• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)

• Possible increased risk of heart failure (rare)

• Chance of a heart attack (very rare)

Risk factors that may lead to the aforementioned signs and symptoms are,

• Prolonged periods of inactivity/ sedentary lifestyle

• Spending weeks convalescing in bed

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure/ hypertension

• Cholesterol

• Suddenly stopping heart medications

• Lung disease

When should you see a doctor?

Two groups of symptoms, in particular, should be closely monitored, and accordingly should have medical attention promptly under the following circumstances. Contact the nearest heart hospital in Hyderabad for a better understanding of the situation.

Shortness of breath

• Worsening shortness of breath when lying down

• Increased shortness of breath during exertion

• Fatigue induced by shortness of breath

• Swelling in the ankle accompanying shortness of breath

Chest pain

• Persistent pain in the chest

• Nonsevere chest pain

• New chest pain that subsides in 15 minutes

• Exertional chest pain relieved by the rest

Heart tests that can be done:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) to test for possible arrhythmia

• Echocardiogram to detect problems in/ with heart valves and heart chambers

• Troponin blood test to determine if/ which heart muscles are damaged

• MRI to find out the extents of damage/ structural problems/ inflammation to the heart

Precautions to be taken for good cardiac health post-recovery from COVID

Here are some post-recovery heart health from COVID:

• Get your heart checked after recovering from COVID

• Do not stop any medications for the heart if any

• Immediately report symptoms (such as chest pain, breathlessness, sweating) to a doctor

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day

• Get screened for underlying heart conditions such as tachycardia

• Exercise regularly

• Do not try to overexert

• Continue taking normal medications for general health

• Eat wholesome, and nutritious foods consistently

• Stay calm, relax, and try not to panic

• Do not self-diagnose any symptoms

• Avoid self-medicating at all costs

• Heed to advice from your doctor

• Get vaccinated promptly and without any hesitation

Potential heart risks for children who have recovered from COVID

• Treatment options in the rare case of heart failure:

• Medications for the heart

• LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) procedure

• Heart transplant