Increase in Heart Failures after COVID19 Recovery


Researchers have observed an increase in heart diseases after the COVID19 pandemic. This effect is worldwide and often observed in those who recently recovered from COVID19. Several people have died due to heart attack after successfully recovering from COVID19. The link between coronavirus and heart diseases is being analysed. The alarming fact is that even those with no previous history of heart diseases and under the age of 65 are also at risk of heart diseases.

COVID19 is a new disease

Usually heart disease risk remain unnoticed after successful recovery from COVID19, as there are no prior evidences of such medical conditions after recovery. COVID19 is a comparatively new disease and doctors lack any previous knowledge about health issues that might happen post recovery. As soon as patients get a covid-negative report, they think that its over and they are safe, while there might be something that is damaged in their cardiovascular system which is beyond natural repair.

Undetected Previous Heart Disease

There are chances that those who suffered heart attack after recovering from COVID19 might have a previous history of cardiovascular disease, which was neither diagnosed nor treated, but COVID19 infection might have exacerbated the condition. 

Medication during COVID19

Medications used to treat COVID19, without noticing any prior heart disease might make the condition worst. Steroids, which are often used to treat COVID19, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with inflammatory diseases. Some steroids have a tendency to increase the heart rate to 100 beats per minute, while some other steroids are known for their side-effect of enlargement and thickening of left-ventricle. Structural changes in heart cells result in changes in electrical system, which further result in irregular hear beats. In worst cases it can also result in heart attacks.

Lack of Oxygen during COVID19

As we know that some fluid build up in air sacs inside lungs, which reduces the amount of oxygen in blood stream. During that time our heart works harder to provide proper amount of oxygen to body, but itself it gets reduced amount of oxygen. It might cause permanent damage in some heart cells, leading to certain amount of heart failure. It it remains undetected then the heart failure might lead to heart attack after some time.

Know the difference between Heart Failure and Heart Attack.

Some Immune Responses degrade Heart Health

Inflammation is one of the primary immune responses that happen in our body during any infection. Severe COVID19 infection can cause inflammation of the heart known as Myocarditis. Endothelial cells, which form the inner lining of the blood vessels, also gets affected and inflammation inside blood vessels further deteriorates the situation. This condition can rupture some old clots inside blood vessels which might get stuck inside tiny blood vessels supplying blood to health muscles and cause heart attack.

Cytokine Storm

Cytokines are proteins released by our immune system to fight against the disease causing bacteria or bacteria. But overproduction of cytokines, known as cytokine storm, is sometimes dangerous for our own body as they start to kill healthy human cells which causes internal inflammation. Some people are more susceptible to cytokine storm due to genetic reasons. These cytokine storms can damage kidney, liver and heart and can be fatal.

How to save yourself from Heart Failure after COVID19 ?

To reduce the risk of heart failure or heart attack after successfully recovering from COVID19, you need to keep a watch on your heart health.

  • Regularly measure your blood pressure. If it is continuously on higher side then consult your doctor.
  • If you feel sudden changes in your heart beat, then again it is an issue that should be told to your doctor.
  • If you feel any symptoms of heart attack, then it might be an emergency situation. Men and Women have different symptoms and you should know them before the condition arises. 

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