Heart Disease & COVID-19 Risks
People who have chronic health conditions such as heart disease (e.g. heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension) are especially at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. They also have a higher likelihood of experiencing more severe complications from COVID-19.
While the majority of people with COVID-19 recover, emerging data suggests that those with heart conditions are 4 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than patients with no underlying conditions. An underlying heart disease is an adverse predictive factor for patients suffering COVID-19.
Support
There is no scientific basis for claims that heart medication increases the risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Continue to take your medication as prescribed, and ensure you have a 30-day supply at any given time.
To help manage the risks associated with COVID-19 and heart disease, continue your efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat well
- Include physical activity with a heart-healthy component (at home, or outdoors while keeping a safe distance from others)
- If you smoke, consider quitting
Above all, do not hesitate to seek appropriate medical attention should you need (i.e. contact your primary care provider, dial 8-1-1 to speak to a nurse, or dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency).
Main Point
The risks from COVID-19 for those with underlying chronic health conditions such as heart disease underlines how crucial it is to follow public health guidelines carefully. This includes both individuals suffering from chronic health conditions, as well as those in their household (or pandemic bubble). Do not hesitate to seek appropriate medical attention, as needed.
Sources:
- www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/coronavirus-heart-disease-and-stroke
- https://search.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/resource/en/covidwho-994025
BC Specific
