Yugal Kishore Mishra

Cardiac symptoms among patients infected during the second wave of the Coronavirus are getting difficult to deal with. Why are younger Covid-19 patients developing heart problems? Infection-related heart problems vary from sudden cardiac death to minor problems in heart rate. Sudden cardiac death can be due to a heart attack. There can be a clot formation in heart blood vessels. Clots can also be formed in lung blood vessels causing pulmonary embolism. The virus can also affect heart muscles causing cardiomyopathy and heart failure. A common problem post-Covid-19 is variation in heart rate. A slow heart recovers in a majority of cases automatically in a few weeks. A heart attack can be caused by oxygen deprivation, a common risk factor with severe Covid-19 infection. Any disruption in healthy oxygenated blood can cause inflammation, weaken heart muscles, and trigger problems. Heart attacks after the infection also happen due to the rupture of the plaques in the heart vessels which leads to the occlusion of the arteries. But this is generally seen in individuals with underlying cardiovascular disease, smoking habits, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. If one is unable to breathe properly and is experiencing shortness of breath then it can be a serious issue and needs immediate attention. There is a possibility that your vital organs are not getting adequate oxygen. This can not only impact your heart but also your lungs. Chest pain caused by a heart attack is often a sensation of pressure, burning, and squeezing in the middle of your chest and can spread to the chin, left arm, and back. As soon as you experience such pain you should consult your doctor and go to the hospital. Time is of the essence here.

Keep measuring your oxygen levels even after you have recovered from infection as fluctuations in your oxygen levels can be dangerous. It can be a result of irregular heartbeat and other severe issues which cannot be ignored. Therefore, always keep your oximeters near you. Dizziness can be a big warning symptom of a cardiac arrest. If you are feeling lightheaded or fatigued so much that it is getting difficult to stand or sit, immediately seek medical help. Extreme sweating is a major symptom of a heart attack. Even if you have recovered from Covid-19, make sure to keep a check on your body temperature and seek medical help as soon as possible. Post-infection recovery if you are experiencing a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, contact your doctor. A temporary increase in heart rate can be caused by a lot of things including dehydration. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids, especially when you have a fever. The way to a healthy heart for a Covid-19 negative patient is through Covid-appropriate behaviour, a healthy diet rich in proteins, fibre, vitamin C, and essential nutrients combined with a workout regime. If you are experiencing symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or palpitations, go to your doctor at once. Patients, and in particular cardiac patients, ought to maintain a healthy lifestyle, i.e., eat healthily, quit smoking, restrict alcohol intake, get adequate sleep, and keep physically active. Physical activity should be strongly encouraged either in a home setting or outdoor areas with social space as that will also improve well-being. Exercise daily. Stay hydrated. Get enough sleep. Social networking should be encouraged in person if safe, or virtually. Patients should seek medical help immediately and not neglect symptoms. Cardiac follow-up needs to be continued and advice of your doctor should be sought promptly in case of deterioration of the heart condition.

(The writer is Chief Of Clinical Services, Head Of Cardiac Sciences, and Chief Cardio Vascular Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka. The views expressed are personal.)