As a result of COVID-19, you may be aware that your risk of acquiring a serious illness is influenced by your heart health (the disease caused by the new coronavirus). While it is true that heart disease and high blood pressure (hypertension) increase your risk of heart disease, there are steps you can take to protect your heart during the COVID-19 pandemic that you can take. According to TIB Pharmacy’s cardiology expert, the following are five ways to safeguard your heart if you have a chronic cardiovascular condition:
- Keep Up Your New Normal
When it comes to staying at home when it’s possible, practicing safe distancing, and seeking medical assistance if you’re experiencing problems, the number one thing to do is to keep doing what you’re already doing.
Additionally, when your state reopens, proceed with caution. I have a responsibility to return my cardiac patients as quickly as possible to a normal life. You should not have to continue being a heart patient with restrictions,” adds the doctor. The moment has come, however, for me to recommend that you maintain social distance, wear a mask, and sterilize as much as possible. Stay the course as long as you possibly can in order to be healthy.
- Take Advantage of Telemedicine
Cardiologists at TIB provide video visits and phone conversations to their patients in addition to the regular in-person sessions that are required. Your doctor’s communication should be at the top of your priority list. A lot of people, including myself, get nervous when they’re on television. The video option, on the other hand, is quite helpful. If you’re meeting your health objectives, taking your medicine, and not experiencing any symptoms, we’ll check in on you from time to time.
- Continue Taking Your Medications
Due to conflicting information concerning common blood pressure drugs and their relationship to COVID-19 risk, you may be tempted to discontinue their use altogether. However, the pendulum is beginning to swing in the direction of there being no need for fear. In reality, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, there is no link between blood pressure medications and the risk of COVID-19.
warns that discontinuing medication without first consulting with your health-care practitioner is a mistake to make. A patient might phone me and say, ‘I’m taking a low-dose ACE inhibitor for my high blood pressure; is there a better option?'” says the doctor. I might think about replacing them because they’re only taking medication to control their blood pressure, and there are many other options available. Others, on the other hand, may find that these medications are absolutely necessary in order to avoid heart failure. As a result, we don’t want anyone to stop them unless there is irrefutable research and facts to support their actions.”
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise.
don’t forget the basics. Stay healthy by:
- Communicating with your doctor
- Eating healthy
- Exercising
- Getting enough rest
- Patients with hypertension or heart failure should keep an eye on their blood pressure.
- Be Aware of the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 and Heart Failure
Learn about the signs and symptoms of a COVID-19 infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States warns that the following symptoms should be avoided:
- Cough that is dry.
- Fever or chills are common.
- A feeling of being out of breath or having difficulty breathing
- Muscle aches and pains.
- A new loss of taste or scent has occurred.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Heart and stroke symptoms, on the other hand, are a warning sign of problems – and they may indicate COVID-19 infection. Keep an eye out for:
- Chest pain or pressure, especially when exercising or performing other physical activities.
- A sagging of the chin on one side of the face.
- Weakness or numbness in one arm or on one side of the body
- Slurred or garbled speech, as well as other changes in speech.
- Persistent blurred vision.
- Excruciating headache.
- The following are connected with nighttime breathlessness or breathing difficulties:
- Leg swelling
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Passing out
Do not stay at home if you suspect you are having a heart attack or other heart problem because you are concerned about COVID,” says the expert. We encourage you to come in for an evaluation right away so that we can begin treatment as soon as possible. At TIB, we’re doing everything we can to keep you safe when you do something wrong. Physical distance and infection control techniques, as well as daily symptom tests of both personnel and patients, are all part of the plan.”
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