There is mounting evidence that COVID-19 has long-lasting impacts on heart health, demonstrating that its effects go beyond the lungs. Many people describe persistent symptoms including chest discomfort, irregular pulse, shortness of breath, and excessive exhaustion, even if they had moderate or asymptomatic diseases. The virus can raise the risk of blood clots, induce myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, and cause cardiac problems like arrhythmias, heart failure, and even strokes. These post-COVID cardiac problems are especially risky for people who already have diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.
After recovering from COVID-19, it's critical to protect your heart. Early detection of problems can be accomplished through keeping an eye on symptoms, seeing a doctor later, and getting the required heart tests done. Recovery depends heavily on leading a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes managing stress, eating a balanced diet, exercising often but gradually, and managing underlying medical issues. Seek medical assistance right away if you have shortness of breath, leg swelling, dizziness, or chronic chest pain. You can protect your heart health and avoid long-term heart issues after COVID by continuing to take preventative measures.
Will I Have Heart Issues After COVID-19?
After COVID, some people develop heart issues. If you need critical care or are on a ventilator, your risk increases. However, even those with moderate instances may eventually have cardiac issues. These issues may arise if you have a prolonged COVID infection. This is also known as post-acute coronavirus (COVID-19) syndrome. Your health has not returned to its pre-illness state if you have a long-term COVID.For medical professionals, the four-week mark is important. You have extended COVID if, four weeks after contracting it, you're still experiencing issues. You may be affected by this in a number of ways.
People who were very sick with COVID-19 may develop new symptoms or persistent ones. However, it can also result in persistent issues for those with moderate or asymptomatic COVID. Among the most frequent issues are fatigue, breathing difficulties, and "brain fog." The following symptoms may be associated with your heart:
- Chest pain that’s worse with deep breaths
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Lightheaded
- Shortness of breath with exercise
Does COVID-19 Cause Heart Problems?
Indeed. You run the risk of developing heart failure or a heart attack if you have a severe or even mild case of COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 rarely infects the cardiac muscle. However, the infection can harm your heart by causing issues throughout your body.Heart problems can develop after COVID, even if you have never had them before. However, your risk of heart issues is highest if you already have cardiovascular disease. Serious problems are also more likely to occur if you have heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol. Both during and after the virus has left your body, COVID-19 can affect your heart.
Does COVID-19 Cause a Heart Attack or Stroke?
The risk of having a heart attack or stroke may rise if you have COVID-19, particularly if you are in the hospital. The primary cause is inflammation, which increases your risk of blood clots and inhibits your body's natural ability to eliminate them. Also, blood clots restrict oxygen from getting to your heart and other organs. You run a risk of suffering a heart attack when this happens. This indicates that your heart isn't receiving enough blood that is rich in oxygen. An enzyme called troponin, which medical professionals can monitor in your blood, might aid in the diagnosis of a heart attack.How Does COVID-19 Affect Your Cardiovascular System?
While you have the COVID-19 infection, you may experience certain health problems, such as damage to your heart muscle. Cells in your heart muscle die as a result of myocardial injury, or damage to your heart muscle. People who have suffered myocardial damage may not exhibit any indications of cardiac disease. Others may have symptoms such as lower extremities fluid retention, breathing problems, or chest discomfort. A doctor uses cardiac imaging and blood testing to reach a diagnosis. Those who require treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) are more likely to suffer from myocardial damage. As your body attempts to combat the infection, issues are more likely to arise if you have heart damage.While you have the COVID-19 infection, you may experience certain health problems, such as damage to your heart muscle. Cells in your heart muscle die as a result of myocardial injury, or damage to your heart muscle. People who have suffered myocardial damage may not exhibit any indications of cardiac disease. Others may have symptoms such as lower extremities fluid retention, breathing problems, or chest discomfort. A doctor uses cardiac imaging and blood testing to reach a diagnosis. Those who require treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) are more likely to suffer from myocardial damage. As your body attempts to combat the infection, issues are more likely to arise if you have heart damage.
According to research, COVID related heart damage is caused by inflammation. Your body triggers your immune system when you initially get the virus. Cytokines and inflammatory cells are produced as a result. Your immune response is triggered by tiny proteins called cytokines. This process of inflammation is necessary and helpful to your body.
However, some people have excessive inflammation as a result of COVID-19. This illness is known as "cytokine storm" or cytokine release syndrome. It frequently occurs in patients of severe COVID-19. Your cardiovascular system can be harmed by excessive inflammation in a number of ways, including:
- Arrhythmia
- Blood clots
- Myocarditis
- Pericarditis
- Heart failure
What Heart Complications May Arise After COVID-19?
Many COVID-19 patients who are admitted to hospitals have underlying heart problems. Additionally, cytokine storms are more common in persons with cardiovascular disease. You are more likely to experience COVID-19 problems if you have any of the following conditions:- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Overweight/obesity
- Diabetes
- History of a stroke
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Thalassemias
- Sickle cell disease
Conclusion
It is difficult enough to recover from a COVID-19 infection. However, you could potentially have cardiac issues following COVID. Your concerns are legitimate, and this is genuine. Don't be scared to discuss your experiences with your doctor. Keep all of your visits and follow up on any treatments your doctor suggests.Learn how COVID-19 affects heart health and the steps to protect your heart post-infection. For personalized care connect with our expert cardiologists at Asian Heart Institute. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: How does COVID-19 affect heart health?A: COVID-19 can cause inflammation in the heart (myocarditis), increase the risk of blood clots, disrupt heart rhythms, and lead to conditions like heart failure or stroke. Even mild cases may have long-term cardiovascular effects.
Q2: How long do post-COVID heart symptoms last?
A: The duration varies—some people recover within weeks, while others experience lingering symptoms for months. Consulting a doctor for evaluation is essential if symptoms persist.
Q3: Should I get my heart checked after recovering from COVID-19?
A: If you experience persistent symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath, it’s advisable to undergo heart screenings such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or cardiac MRI.
