Covid 19 infection can damage heart muscle and affect heart function. Heart damage occurs due to high level of inflammatory markers circulating in the blood. As the body’s immune system fights off the virus, the inflammatory process can damage some healthy tissues including heart.
Corona virus infection also affect the inner lining of blood vessel which an cause blood vessel inflammation , damage to small vessel and leads to blood clot formation. All these compromise the blood flow to heart and other organs.
1. What problems/symptoms patients can have after Covid19 infection?
During and after covid 19 infection patients may experience:
- Feeling rapid heart beats(palpitations)
- Feeling light headed essentially or dizziness especially on standing from sitting posture
- Chest pain/ Discomfort
- Breathing problems
- Severe Fatigue.
2. Can I get heart attack after covid 19?
One can get heart attack during or post covid especially after severe infection due to inflammatory state. Heart attack can occur both due to blood clot formation in blood vessels of heart (rare) but more commonly it occurs due to increased stress on heart such as fast heart beat, low blood oxygen or anaemia (low Haemoglobin).
3. What should I do after getting symptoms of heart diseases?
First thing is don’t get panic because heart problems occurring after covidare usually reversible. You should consult your physician or cardiologist. They will adjust your medications. You may need few blood thinning medications for some times. In rare case, you may need conventional coronary Angiography or CT coronary Angiography.
