Can Heart Medications Increase the Risk of Severe Illness From COVID-19?
As a cardiology/heart patient, you are already cautious when flu season hits. With the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure you heighten your defenses. Your condition could make you more susceptible to getting the coronavirus. You may also have more severe symptoms. You may have heard that some heart drugs can pose problems with the disease. You need to understand the truth and error of these assertions.
Understanding COVID-19
The novel coronavirus has affected virtually everyone on Earth. More than 1.5 million people have been infected with the disease, with more than 100,000 deaths occurring. People spread the disease by coughing or sneezing droplets. A person can also become infected by touching infected surfaces and then rubbing hands on their eyes, mouth or nose. The most common side effects are fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing. Though most people recover without a doctor’s care, more at-risk people require intensive hospital attention.
Cardiology/heart patients are among the most vulnerable
COVID-19 can infect people of all ages and backgrounds. Older people over the age of 60 are in a more at-risk group. People with underlying health conditions should also be wary of the disease. People with heart disease are in this latter group. Such patients should be vigilant at staying away from public places. Washing hands will protect people from the disease. People should also maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
The rumors
Commonly, people fill social media with false information and unfounded medical statements. This is especially true during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Stories have circulated stating that heart medication can increase a person’s risk of getting COVID-19. The most important thing a cardiology/heart patient can do during this time is turn to reputable sources. Instead of taking heart health advice from someone on Facebook, people should talk to their health care provider. Competent, respected organizations such as the American Heart Association, the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control can also dispel these rumors.
The claim
Recent warnings went out claiming that COVID-19 would bind to ACE2 receptors in lower respiratory tracts. ACE2 inhibitors are common drugs for cardiology/heart patients. The medication controls blood pressure and prevents heart attacks. Research on animals showed a possible link between these drugs and the rise in COVID-19 cases. A doctor in Louisiana published a paper stating that a pool of 1,100 coronavirus patients with heart issues were all using ACE2 inhibitors.
The verdict
The medical community denounces these claims. Experts say cardiology/heart medications do not put a person more at risk of getting COVID-19. There is not enough information to support this theory. In fact, doctors urge such patients to continue taking their medication. Practicing wise prevention measures can help these patients avoid the disease.
Take good care
If you are a cardiology/heart patient, continue to follow your doctor’s directions. Take your medication and eat right. Be cautious about going out in public and in what you touch. Your condition may make you more vulnerable to COVID-19. Your medication should not increase your symptoms if you get the disease.
Get more information about Florida Premier Cardiology in Delray Beach at https://floridapremiercardio.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Heart disease treatment encompasses a range of interventions, from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical interventions. Individuals can manage their condition and improve their quality of life by working with a cardiologist. Successful heart disease treatment starts with the patient having the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.Also known as cardiovascular…
Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential to living a long and active life. One important tool that cardiologists use is cardiac stress tests to assess their patients' heart function. This stress test can provide valuable insights into how well your heart works if you have experienced symptoms of heart disease or need to evaluate your…
The heart's valves must remain healthy and upright to promote an overall healthy heart and cardiovascular system. However, sometimes, they can weaken. Fortunately, various valvular disease treatment are available to address damage. Whether valves begin to narrow or leak, timely treatment is necessary.There are two main types of heart valve disease: regurgitation and stenosis. The…
A heart specialist is a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions. Patients may be referred to one of these doctors for several reasons, from diagnosing a heart health issue to getting cleared for surgery. However, seeing a heart specialist is even more crucial for those either experiencing the signs of heart disease or…