SPONSORED FEATURE
COVID-19 : When it comes to the matters of the heart
Consultant Cardiologist , Dr . Ernest Ng from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur shares his insights caring for your hearts at times of the global pandemic . Dr Ng has over 15 years experience in heart health and started his career at PHKL since 2009 .
Cardiologists around the world have amplified their focus on heart-related diseases when the COVID-19 pandemic began to threaten the global population for the past one year . Patients with cardiovascular diseases have shown more serious symptoms after contracting SARS-CoV-2 , making them one of the highrisk groups that require vaccination as stated in Phase Two of Malaysia ’ s Immunisation Programme .
In many cases , pre-existing heart conditions such as a weak heart or blocked arteries reduce the patient ’ s ability to tolerate COVID-19 symptoms . The presence of pneumonia can push the heart to work harder to effectively pump blood throughout the body . Low blood pressure and increased oxygen demand further stress vital organs . Underlying heart disease may lead to heart failure which will affect overall recovery . Complications may worsen when patients also suffer from diabetes or obesity .
In the event of COVID-19 , the virus triggers the body to produce inflammatory molecules called cytokines that cause myocarditis ( heart inflammation ), weakening the heart and affecting cardiac output . The viral infection may also cause rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries that lead to acute coronary syndromes that are commonly known as a heart attack . Severe systemic inflammatory conditions may aggravate arrhythmias and trigger atrial fibrillation complicating the illness .
COVID-19 can affect the heart even in those with mild or no symptoms . Recent studies have shown that asymptomatic myocarditis is present in up to 75 % of patients who recovered from COVID-19 . Patients should consult their physician or a cardiologist if they experience shortness of breath with exertion or lying flat , chest pain , swelling of the ankles , light-headedness , heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat .
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate There is no question that high-risk groups including those with pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular diseases should get vaccinated . While the COVID-19 vaccination does not guarantee 100 % protection against the virus , studies of the various vaccines have shown that vaccinees suffer less symptoms and complications compared to those who did not get vaccinated .
Heart patients who are concerned about the vaccination should speak to their doctors about the benefits and risks of the vaccine . Most heart patients who have received vaccination have not experienced side effects other than soreness at the injection site , fatigue , headaches , and chills . Being on blood thinners or taking heart medicines should not preclude having the vaccine .
Children with heart disease Currently , the vaccination programme excludes children with or without pre-existing heart conditions . There are ongoing studies into the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines in children . As for now , parents or primary caregivers must play a more pivotal role in safeguarding these children by following strict Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs ).
“ Heart patients who are concerned about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine should speak to their doctors about the benefits and risks of the vaccine ”
Dr . Ernest Ng , Consultant Cardiologist
Hospital Contact Details :
Dr Ernest Ng
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur 8 , Jalan Bukit Pantai 59100 Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia Tel : + 603 2296 0888 ( General Line ) Tel : + 603 2296 0706 ( International Patient Centre ) Website : www . pantai . com . my / kuala-lumpur Email : my . phkl . ipc @ parkwaypantai . com / my . phkl @ parkwaypantai . com
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com JUNE 2021
13