Every 36 seconds, a person dies in the United States because of cardiovascular disease (CVD). That makes heart disease one of the leading causes of death in the country. Your heart health has always been important, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more crucial.
This article will discuss the importance of heart health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heart Health and COVID-19
During the early stages of the pandemic, doctors and scientists made a crucial observation about COVID-19. They saw that people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases are a lot more likely to get the severe form of the disease when compared to those who do not have cardiovascular problems.
There are two ways that heart disease is thought to increase the risk of severe COVID-19:
- The first explanation is that the damaged heart muscles and the blocked arteries of those who suffer from CVD cannot withstand the disease’s stress. COVID-19 causes unstable blood pressure, deficient oxygen levels, and other effects that a person with a weak heart cannot stand.
- The second explanation has something to do with poor metabolic health, which is familiar to those who suffer from CVD. Poor metabolic health makes a person more prone to inflammation, not to mention blood clots, both of which can compound the effects of COVID-19.
It’s just a matter of time before the actual reason people with CVD are more at risk of getting severe COVID-19 will be determined. Perhaps both of the explanations are true. What matters now is that we are aware of the effects of the disease so people can do something about it.
Protecting Your Heart During the Pandemic
So, if you have CVD, you definitely have a higher risk of getting the severe form of COVID-19, but that does not mean you are completely vulnerable. There are things that you can do to improve your heart health.
Follow the New Normal
The new normal is a term that has become part of our everyday language. It refers to the way that our practices have changed because of the pandemic. For example, people practice social distancing now, and some still wear face masks. In addition, vaccines may have lessened the risk of getting COVID-19, but it has not been completely removed.
So, if you have CVD, then you should follow the new normal. Please don’t leave your house unless you really have to, and avoid gatherings with lots of people in them. Always wash and sanitize your hands to keep yourself from catching the virus.
Telemedicine
The pandemic has allowed us to take advantage of technology. For example, the internet will enable children to continue their education even while the pandemic rages when it comes to education. The same thing is true with healthcare. Telemedicine is an alternative way for people to get the health support they need without venture outside.
People with CVD no longer have to take the risk of stepping outside and expose themselves to the virus to see their doctor. Instead, they can do so through telemedicine. Of course, there are limits to what telemedicine can offer, but it should be an option for you to explore.
Take Your Meds
Initially, there was fear that some medications used for hypertension could affect the severity of COVID-19. This might cause some patients to be tempted to stop taking their meds for hypertension.
But if you have high blood pressure, you should continue taking your meds. If you are worried about its possible effects, you should consult your doctor and ask about it.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
The pandemic shouldn’t be an excuse to forget about trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. In fact, a lot of people use it to start working out and eat healthier. If you have created a healthy lifestyle during the lockdowns, then there is no need for you to stop now.
Just keep on doing what you are doing to maintain your heart health. It’s not enough that you are exercising and eating healthy. You also need to get rest and sleep and put on some essential oils to make you feel relaxed because your heart needs that. You need to avoid “danger zones,” particularly for patients with or at risk for heart disease, as those who smoke, have diabetes, have high cholesterol, or have high blood pressure.
Know When to Seek Care
Because you are at a higher risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19, you should be aware of its symptoms so you can seek emergency care as early as possible. Here are some of the signs that you should look out for:
- Loss of taste and smell
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pains
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Is COVID-19 a hair loss reason? There is no evidence that the new coronavirus causes hair loss directly. Instead, experts believe that the physical and emotional stress that comes with a case of COVID-19 might cause telogen effluvium, a reversible hair loss condition.
A stressful experience, such as mental hardship, major surgery, or a high fever, is known to trigger the illness a few months later. It causes more of a person’s hair to enter the hair development cycle’s telogen, or resting phase, resulting in hair loss.
These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your heart healthy during the pandemic. Even after the threat of COVID-19 has been dramatically reduced because of vaccines, it is still advisable to follow these simple steps to ensure your safety.