COVID-19 and the Heart (Part 2)

Individuals with risk factors for heart disease

Those patients with underlying risk factors for heart disease such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart disease and smoking are at higher risk for complications with COVID-19 and at higher risk of dying from it. If you develop COVID-19 illness that is asymptomatic or mildly asymptomatic, you are also encouraged to self -quarantine.  Once again purchase a pulse oximeter and check your oxygen level and be sure that it stays above 92%. It is also really important that you get in touch with your doctor or extended healthcare provider. Schedule an online visit or phone call visit with your doctor. Do not go to their offices.  If you are taking blood pressure medicine, diabetes medications or cholesterol medications do not stop them but you may need some modification of the doses.

If you are having nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, or you are dehydrated, your blood pressure and sugar may drop and the dose of medications will have to be adjusted. Report any symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations or feeling of passing out.

Patients with risk factors for heart disease are at increased risk for having a heart attack or stroke from COVID-19 given the propensity of the virus to increase clotting. If your oxygen saturation drops below 92% go to the hospital.