Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2020
HEALTHY TIP : COVID-19 and Cardiac Impacts
It is now understood that people with a variety of underlying health conditions are more susceptible to serious , symptomatic COVID-19 illnesses . What is also now emerging is the mounting scientific and medical data on long-term health effects from COVID , and even more worrisome , is the growing prevalence of the incidence of heart inflammation in previously healthy , non-cardiac patients .
“ This is still a very new virus ,” said Kulpreet Barn , MD , Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Center at Deborah Heart and Lung Center . “ Although we think of COVID-19 as a respiratory illness , it actually affects the entire body , including the cardiovascular system . Many studies are underway , but some preliminary published findings are very troubling in pointing fingers towards heart damage in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 .”
Dr . Barn pointed to recent studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , JAMA Cardiology , and The Lancet .
“ Many of these studies have looked at a wide range of cardiac issues during and after COVID ,” he said . “ They also looked at symptomatic and asymptomatic patients . There is increasing evidence every day pointing to COVID causing cardiac issues like arrhythmias and myocarditis -- or inflammation -- in the heart muscle .”
Deborah has long treated myocarditis . This cardiac inflammation is usually caused by a viral infection , including flu , HIV , Coxsackie B virus , and now COVID . Myocarditis can cause chest pain , an abnormal heartbeat , and shortness of breath . Severe cases can lead to heart failure and even sudden death .
Still Much to Learn About COVID-19
“ Since we are still learning so much about COVID ,” added Dr . Barn “ we are not sure if the coronavirus damages the heart directly , or the heart could be damaged by the body ’ s intense immune system response to the disease .”
“ There are also many accounts now of ‘ long haulers ’ – COVID patients who experience prolonged , varied symptoms months after they recover , including cardiac problems . It is unknown how long these patients might exhibit symptoms , but it is something here at Deborah we are watching very closely .”
“ COVID patients , regardless of how serious their infection was , should consider talking to their physician or cardiologist . And absolutely if you are exhibiting any symptoms , seek medical care right away .”
For more information visit www . Demand Deborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
13