Health problems are prone to occur in someone who has just recovered from COVID-19. Starting from mild symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath to respiratory problems to the heart.
Cardiologist Wendy Post, MD says the SARS-CoV-2 virus can damage the heart muscle and affect heart function. The reason is that cells in the heart have receptors for angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), where the corona virus attaches before entering cells.
He explained, heart damage can also be caused by high levels of inflammation circulating in the body. When the immune system fights the virus, the inflammatory process can damage some healthy tissues, including the heart.
“Coronavirus infection also affects the inner surfaces of veins and arteries, which can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, damage to very small blood vessels, and blood clots, all of which can interfere with blood flow to the heart or other parts of the body. And severe COVID-19 is a disease that affects the endothelial cells, which form the lining of blood vessels,” explains Post.
Therefore, according to the Post, if you experience a fast heartbeat or palpitations, contact your doctor immediately to find out the exact cause. The reason is, an increase in heart rate can be caused by many things, including dehydration, so make sure you drink enough fluids.
The Post revealed that there are many symptoms reported in people recovering from COVID-19 such as severe fatigue. This condition usually occurs after a person is infected with the Corona virus.
“Just like any serious illness, many people experience shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations. One of these problems could be heart-related, but it could also be due to other factors, including after being seriously ill, being inactive for long periods of time, and spending weeks recovering in bed.”
People who are recovering from Corona virus infection are also susceptible to postural problems orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which although not directly a heart problem, but a neurological problem that affects the part of the nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood flow.
“This syndrome can cause a rapid heartbeat when you stand up, which can cause brain fog, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, and other symptoms.
Regarding the likelihood of a heart attack in those recovering from COVID-19, Post said that a heart attack can take several different forms. For example, a type 1 heart attack, caused by a blood clot blocking one of the arteries of the heart, rarely occurs during or after a COVID-19 infection.
While type 2 heart attacks are more common in COVID-19. This heart attack can be caused by increased stress on the heart, such as a fast heart rate, low blood oxygen levels or anemia, because the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen delivered in the blood to do this extra work.
“We’ve seen this in people with acute coronavirus disease, but it’s less common in those who survive the disease.” he said.
There are a number of conditions to watch out for related to heart problems, including:
- Oxygen saturation reading below 92%
- Blue lips or face
- A sudden attack
- The situation gets worse when lying down
- The situation worsens during exertion
- Fatigue or ankle swelling
- Chest pain
If you experience this condition, contact your doctor immediately for further examination.
[KPCPEN/IRS/YRM]
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