Dr. ahmed
There is still a lot to understand about the effects of COVID-19 on the heart, but we are beginning to understand that COVID-19 affects the heart in different ways. Coronavirus attacks by infecting cells directly. The virus primarily affects the lungs but can affect other body parts including the heart. It can cause inflammation of the heart muscle and covering membrane called myocarditis and pericarditis respectively.
Inflammation of the heart can impair the ability of the heart to pump blood and generate electrical signals. Severe forms of inflammation can result in abnormal heart rhythm, weak heart muscle and heart failure. The virus can also exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions. It has been well understood that COVID-19 is also associated with blood clots, which can affect the heart in many ways.
If you had COVID-19 and still experiencing trouble breathing, leg swelling or palpitations, you should contact your health care provider to investigate this further, as the virus could have affected your heart. Recently, two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), showed that patients with COVID-19 who have recovered, may show signs of heart damage weeks or months after feeling better.
If you have been infected by COVID-19 virus, you should continue to monitor lingering symptoms which include:Shortness of breathFatigueLeg swellingChest painIrregular heartbeat or palpitations
Everyone should continue to do everything they can to protect themselves or others from getting this virus by maintaining super hand hygiene, wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance.
If you or your loved one have been recovering from COVID-19 infection and experiencing above symptoms, consider seeking cardiovascular care at Lower Bucks Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Lower Bucks Hospital Heart specialist Dr. Shahzad Ahmed, call 215-785-5100, or visit www.lowerbuckshosp.com/Find -a-Physician/A/Shahzad-Ahmed-MD.aspx. To schedule an appointment with any of Lower Bucks Hospital Heart specialists, call 215-785-9343 or 215-785-9690 for questions.