There has been a sharp increase in the number of patients recovered from COVID-19 who are experiencing long-term heart problems, including chest pain, sudden palpitation, heart attack, heart-swelling, heart failure, low ejection fraction, and arrhythmia. Experts suggest that to keep the heart healthy, post-COVID patients must undergo regular cardiac screening every six months, have a healthy diet, stay physically active, and take their medications.

Dr Pramod Narkhede, a cardiologist at Apollo Clinic, Pune, said that after getting infected with COVID-19, many patients develop chest pain, myocarditis, heart attack, heart failure, blood clotting, arrhythmia, and stroke. These problems may occur even several months after recovery. He added that it has been seen that 78 of 100 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 reported symptoms of heart damage and inflammation.

COVID-19 has caused cardiac injury even in those who did not have any heart disease.

Dr Narkhede said that several individuals experience shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations. These could be related to the heart, but could also be caused by certain other factors, such as a consequence of being very ill, prolonged inactivity and spending weeks in bed. He added that about 6 out of 10 patients, without pre-existing heart problems, seen in OPD have post-COVID cardiac symptoms. These issues must be addressed at the earliest. Additionally, people who have pre-existing heart problems should be careful, take their regular medications and go for follow-ups to prevent any complications.

Dr Keerthi Prakash Kotla, consultant pathologist, Apollo Diagnostics, Pune stated that tests to determine the functioning of the heart should be done as early as possible. She added that ECG, X-Ray chest, and lipid profile should be done after every six months in high-risk individuals who have history of diabetes and hypertension. 

Dr Kotla also said that to have a healthy heart, one must consume a well-balanced diet with all the essential nutrients. People should avoid spicy, oily, canned foods, and food with artificial sweeteners and processed flavors, or junk food. People should manage hypertension and cholesterol levels by regular monitoring. They should exercise every day to maintain an optimum weight, limit alcohol consumption and cut down on smoking. She advised not to ignore any abnormal changes in the body, and to seek medical attention.

Source: The Indian Express