pandemic – Desun Hospital

Lockdown during this pandemic has introduced sedentary habits. As a result of personal restrictions, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption and substance abuse increased. These new regime increased the risk of death from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases(CVD) , which are the leading cause of the global mortality rate . Along with the rising rate of risk factors of CVDs there is also a surge in the number of non-communicable diseases (NCD)- related mortality rate.

How might unhealthy habits effect our health?

Average self-reported weight gain (kg) associated with unhealthy diet and lifestyle behaviors during lockdown in the UK

The lack of physical activities, unhealthy food habits along with disturbed sleep cycle made this lockdown a heaven for obesity and related diseases. Obesity can contribute to heart diseases in three ways.

It is known fact that obesity can cause a spike in bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but it also can lower high-density lipoproteins (HDL) i.e. good cholesterol. HDL cholesterol plays an important part in removing the bad cholesterol and working towards reducing the risk for heart diseases.

Obese individuals require more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to their bodies, which causes an increase in blood pressure. Their body also requires more pressure to move the blood around. High blood pressure is a common cause of heart-attack, which is sadly more common for obese individuals.

Obesity leads to diabetes, which is one of the major indicator of heart diseases. According to the American Heart Association, at least 68 percent of people aged 65 or older with diabetes also have heart disease. While individuals with diabetes are said to be two to four times more likely to be at risk for heart disease, the American Heart Association also lists diabetes as being one of the top seven major controllable factors to prevent heart disease.

Fortunately there are some measure you can take to lose weight and reduce the risk of developing heart diseases. This process towards better health goes through regular exercises and balanced nutritious diet.

One should consult their doctors about creating an appropriate diet and exercise plan.

Association between body mass index (BMI) of the participants and weight gain during the quarantine (%). * p < 0.05 compared with normal BMI (z test with Bonferroni correction).

The heart related complications reporting post covid 19 recovery is now increasing in numbers and it is now believed that novel corona virus just not impact the lungs but also impacts heart, brain and may be some other body functions and organs that will unfold with time.

Even among young people in their 20-30s there has been reports of heart related trouble that mostly includes palpitation of heart, fatigue with no such strenuous activity and feeling of short breathing. The aged population or people with preexisting cardiac problems or heart weakness recovered from covid19 are facing more serious heart problems like chest pain, breathlessness and some reports of heart attack, cardiac arrests, stroke has also been in news.

Covid virus impacts the lungs and there is nominal to acute respiratory distress in many cases where hospital support or even ICU support with some days of ventilator support has been required among patients who have survived this pandemic virus.

The heart related symptoms and even chest pain, heart attack and cardiac arrest is mostly result of the inflammation of blood paths of the covid patients, there is also lumping of blood or blood clots that are also playing havoc and cause major cardiac related problems.

Many patients with mild symptoms who have recovered at home with some medication has mild heart related symptoms of general weakness symptoms of fatigue and panting at times.

Covid creates a situation within the body where there is lack of oxygen level and in some cases oxygen support for few days is required and in rare case there is prolong oxygen support required, may can cope with mild lack of oxygen and get back normal levels on their own with few days of medication, rest and diet.

In many cases MRI of heart, echocardiogram showed heart condition negatively impacted post covid recovery for some patients.

Patients with high level of blood sugar (diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), other ailments of liver, kidneys, regularly consuming multiple medicines for lifestyle related diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, liver, kidneys problems in some cases may report heart related problems not necessarily people with preexisting cardiac problems only.

It is important for patients recovering from mild to acute covid symptoms get certain tests done as per general health condition, specific health related ailments, age, gender and most importantly doctor advice. Mostly post covid medical tests for health check includes CBC, CRP, Blood Sugar, Urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, LFT, ECG, ECHO HRCT chest, Spirometry and there can be specific tests for heart, nervous system as per doctor’s advice. Do consult doctor at post covid clinics for health checkup and stay safe.

Post covid it is still not sure on the time frame of the symptoms to last, so it is best to take medical advice on medicines, supplements, health checks, diet and expert advice on exercises, breathing exercises and other lifestyle interventions to avoid future complications and minimize chances of post covid heart ailments.

Content in people interest for a healthy heart by Desun Hospital