JULES VUOTTO
Dr. Shazad Ahmed
By Dr. Shahzad Ahmed MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI
If you had COVID-19 and have ongoing symptoms, you might have long COVID. Other names are post-covid syndrome or chronic COVID. Long COVID affects 1 in 3 people who have had the virus. If you have a severe infection or are not vaccinated, your odds of having COVID-19 are higher.
Long COVID includes various symptoms that can last weeks to months after the initial infection. This condition can affect anyone who has COVID, even a mild case or no signs. It can develop weeks or months after COVID.
We are still learning about the long-term effects of COVID-19. However, it is essential to familiarize yourself with what is currently known to make well-informed decisions to shield yourself and others.
However, for people who have had long COVID-19, heart problems may complicate their recovery.
COMMON HEART SYMPTOMS POST COVID INCLUDE:
- Fatigue, feeling tired
- Pounding heartbeat or palpitations
- Trouble breathing-shortness of breath
- Pain in chest- chest tightness
- Fast heartbeat
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Blood clots
What can you do for your heart care if you have Long COVID?
- You should continue heart healthy habits like exercise
- Stay on your heart medications unless advised by your doctor
- Watch out for any new symptoms that could be attributed to COVID
If you have any new symptoms, consult your doctor
How can you prevent Long COVID?
Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations and get appropriate boosters as new strains of COVID-19 are emerging. It will prevent you from infection. Use proper barrier precautions and follow your local health care advisories.
If you have heart symptoms, please don’t delay your care because of fear of contracting COVID. Every hospital has safety measures in place to protect you from COVID. Call 911 in an emergency.
Further reading
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html
https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/coronavirus/long-term-effects-of-covid
Dr. Shahzad Ahmed MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI
Interventional Cardiologist, Director Cardiology
Dr. Ahmed is Board Certified in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, Vascular Ultrasound, and Internal Medicine. He was awarded the Prestigious Award of Fellow of American College of Cardiology (FACC) in 2019 and Fellow of Society of Cardiovascular Interventions in 2020 (FSCAI). He completed internal medicine, cardiovascular and interventional cardiology training at Drexel University College of Medicine. He was appointed Assistant Professor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine. Under his leadership, Lower Bucks Hospital has started many new programs including same-day discharge after percutaneous coronary intervention, venous and pulmonary thrombectomy, carotid stenting and implementing the radial first approach (cardiac cath through arteries of hand).
Dr. Ahmed is currently accepting new patients at BMC Cardiology Practice,501 Bath Road in Bristol. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 215-785-5100 or visit www.lowerbuckshosp.com/find-a-provider/shahzad-ahmed-md.