New research from Columbia University in the United States of America confirmed that Covid-19 may pose a significant risk to those suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Dr Anna-Marié Grebe, medical consultant to Pharma Dynamics – SA’s largest provider of CVD medicine – said initially efforts were focused on determining the respiratory effects of the virus, such as pneumonia and difficulty in breathing, but clinicians are now investigating the detrimental impact that it can have on one’s heart.
“While Covid-19 is a respiratory disease, which primarily affects the lungs, the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body when the lungs aren’t functioning optimally.
“A fever – common in Covid-19 patients – also leads to a rapid heart rate, which may be compounded by low oxygen levels due to pneumonia,” she said.
“This added stress could increase the risk of developing heart failure or suffering a heart attack in patients with pre-existing heart problems, such as those with coronary heart disease where fatty material builds up inside the coronary arteries, restricting the flow of blood, and thus oxygen and nutrients, to the heart.
“Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle – has also been reported in some Covid-19 patients.
“This condition can affect the heart muscle and thus reduce the heart’s ability to pump. In addition, it may also affect its electrical system, causing abnormal heart rhythms.”
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For the thousands of South Africans that suffer from heart disease, this raises many questions.
Grebe said that it is of great importance to put the risks into perspective.
“While information about Covid-19 is changing almost hourly, current evidence, released by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, University of Minnesota and American Heart Association, indicates that the actual risk for patients with existing heart disease is not higher with Covid-19 than with seasonal influenza (or the flu) per se,” said Grebe.
“However, the difference is in the infectious nature of Covid-19 and that there is currently no vaccine protecting against Covid-19 as with the flu.”
She stressed that there is no need to panic as 82 per cent of cases are mild.
“Basic preventative measures can and will go a long way to protect everyone, including those with existing heart disease,” she said.
While having heart disease doesn’t mean you are destined to get the virus or that you will develop a serious complication, prevention is the best.
Grebe emphasised that while older adults with heart disease may do well to heed advice pertaining to prevention, even younger sufferers of CVD should exercise caution and adhere to current guidelines.
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To reduce your risk of contracting Covid-19:
• Wash hands often with soapy water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser as the virus spreads from person to person when someone with COVID-19 sneezes or coughs.
• Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth) with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home, self-isolate and practice social distancing (1.5m to 2m between you and someone else).
• Take your chronic medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Use three-layer cloth masks when going out to buy food or appearing in public (medical masks should be reserved for use by healthcare professionals).
Grebe said CVD sufferers should seek immediate care once symptoms, such as fever, dry cough, trouble breathing, weakness, chest pain or discomfort are present.
Do not exercise while symptomatic (even if you have only slight symptoms) and allow your body ample time to rest and recover.
Do not postpone seeking medical advice out of fear or panic.
If you think you have Covid-19 and suffer from CVD you should:
• Call your doctor to discuss testing. He/she will be able to advise you about what to do and where to go.
• You may also call the NICD helpline on 0800 029 999.
• Continue to take your prescription medication until you have consulted your doctor.
“More than ever, it has become vital that people take better care of their hearts by doing simple things, such as eating right, making exercise a daily habit, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake,” she said.
Protect your heart by:
• Exercising for about 20 to 30 minutes five to seven days a week.
• Reduce stress by practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
• Get at least eight hours sleep every night.
• Eating healthily.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
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