Experts have observed a rise in cardiac arrest cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially people with certain health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, have high risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. Preliminary studies have shown that COVID-19 may increase cardiac arrest rates in a number of ways. Symptoms of cardiac arrest may include - chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, fainting, etc. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency and comes without any warning signs for some people.
Experts have warned that people with certain health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Perhaps, a question frequently asked is if people with heart disease are more likely to die of COVID-19 than those without. The answer, which has been accurately documented, is that older patients with heart conditions are at higher risk of fatality. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasise that most patients, even those with underlying heart disease, have had mild infections and have fully recovered, say experts.
Some of the heart conditions which may pose as a risk in COVID-19 related cases may include A) elderly and frail patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension or diabetes, b) Patients in the waitlist for cardiac surgery, C) Immuno suppressed patients with heart disease (e.g. post-transplant), D) Pregnant women with associated heart disease, Heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and patients with congenital cyanotic heart disease or Obstructive form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
It is to be emphasized that during the pandemic, one must not delay; because every minute counts. Hospitals will do their utmost to treat you in a segregated, safe environment. Doing this quickly can save your life.
Can coronavirus cause heart attack or arrhythmias? Doctors feel that there is a speculative risk that the viral infection could cause rupture of the fatty deposits (atherosclerotic plaques) in coronary arteries leading to a heart attack, due to the inflammatory effects of the virus. Severe inflammatory response may also trigger arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, and acute inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) which can also worsen its function directly.
Why are cardiac patients with diabetes or hypertension at greater risk? Diabetics and hypertensive patients are usually old and have low immunity. Moreover, these patients are usually on medicines called ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II type-receptor blockers which increase the expression of a receptor (ACE2) which facilitates the entry of coronavirus in human cells (mainly in lungs, heart, kidneys and blood vessels). But it is not advisable to change or stop these medicines without supervision.
How does one maintain physical and emotional well-being?: The most important factor here is to stay calm at all times. Trust that healthcare professionals are doing their best to combat this virulent virus. You should also follow the suggested tips below:
Eat well by maintaining a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Exercise - walk around your house or garden, Look up online classes to pursue a hobby or a talent, stay engaged. Only use virtual methods of socialising, Stay busy with household chores.
Appropriate awareness about the novel coronavirus is definitely the need of the hour. It is important that patients with existing cardiac ailments stay up to date on the current situation, have access to treatment, understand prevention and disease management during these unprecedented times.
Most people would do almost anything to avoid going to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic over fears of contracting the novel coronavirus. Unfortunately, that has included many people ignoring the signs of a heart attack. Researchers found that people who suffered a severe heart attack were more than twice as likely to die from it as COVID-19 struck compared with previous years. Studies that focused on heart attacks during the pandemic revealed people were 2.4 times as likely to die from a heart attack when compared with pre-pandemic times, probably because they were less likely to be hospitalised.
In the weeks and months to come, clinicians may see greater numbers of patients with more severe manifestations of acute heart attacks. With the uncertainty on timing of a COVID-19 vaccine, studies reinforce the need to address important care processes for patients with heart attacks to help mitigate further risk.
While COVID-19 remains a global health crisis, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the world. And much like our response to the coronavirus should have been swift to avoid unnecessary deaths, experts say the same is true for how we should respond if we experience symptoms of a heart attack.
Time is of the essence with heart attacks because an artery is blocked and the heart muscle is deprived of blood. That’s why if your chest feels heavy and your arms hurt or feel numb, along with other symptoms, you should contact the emergency. Limiting the time of blood deprivation to the heart muscle can save the heart function. With poor heart function, your long-term outcome is not good. Thus, despite the pandemic, if you have symptoms of heart attack, seek help immediately, as it may very well be the difference between life and death.
Experts are more direct: “Missing a heart attack could be deadly.”
(Dr. Francisco Colaço is a seniormost consulting physician, pioneer of Echocardiography in Goa)