The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

How COVID affects the heart, according to a cardiologist

  • Written by Garry Jennings, Professor of Medicine, University of Sydney
How COVID affects the heart, according to a cardiologist

As the pandemic has progressed, researchers have begun to understand how COVID-19 impacts our bodies.

Early in the pandemic, risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes were quickly associated[1] with an increased risk of severe illness and death[2] from COVID.

We now know that, among the myriad ways it can damage our health, the virus can affect the heart and directly cause a range of heart complications[3].

Also, mRNA COVID vaccines like those from Pfizer and Moderna have been linked with heart inflammation. But this is very rare, and you’re much more likely to get heart inflammation from COVID infection than the vaccines.

Here’s what we know so far.

How does COVID affect the heart?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can directly invade the body causing inflammation. This can impact the heart, causing myocarditis and pericarditis[4] — inflammation of the heart muscle or outer lining of the heart.

Inflammation from COVID can also cause[5] blood clotting, which can block a heart or brain artery causing a heart attack or stroke.

COVID can also cause abnormal heart rhythms, blood clots in the legs and lungs, and heart failure. Our understanding of how COVID causes heart inflammation and injury to the heart muscle[6] is becoming clearer, though there’s more to learn.

Persistent symptoms from the virus, called “long COVID[7]”, have been reported in about 10-30% of people who’ve contracted COVID.

One study[8] on long COVID, published in July, found common cardiovascular symptoms include heart palpitations, fast heart rate, slow heart rate, chest pain, visible bulging veins, and fainting.

Of roughly 3,700 study participants, over 90% reported their recovery lasted more than eight months.

Read more: The mystery of 'long COVID': up to 1 in 3 people who catch the virus suffer for months. Here's what we know so far[9]

The Delta variant, first identified in India in October 2020, is highly transmissible[10]. It’s the variant responsible for lockdowns in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Although data is still emerging, it may cause more severe disease, and anecdotally may increase the chances of heart complications[11].

A Scottish study[12] found the risk of hospital admission from COVID was around double in those with Delta variant compared to the Alpha variant (which originated in the UK). It also found Delta was spreading most commonly in younger people.

The good news is two doses of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines remains effective[13] in preventing Delta complications.

COVID vaccines and the heart

Scientists have discovered a link between the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and a rare blood clotting syndrome[14].

There’s also a link between mRNA COVID vaccines and a rare side effect of heart inflammation[15] (myocarditis and pericarditis). This seems to be most common in males under 30 and after the second vaccine dose.

Read more: The benefits of a COVID vaccine far outweigh the small risk of treatable heart inflammation[16]

But this is very rare. Of the 5.6 million Pfizer vaccine doses[17] administered to Australians so far, there have only been 111 cases[18] of suspected (not confirmed) heart inflammation reported up to August 1. There have been no reported deaths associated with this vaccine side effect in Australia.

Recovery from this heart inflammation is generally good. The benefits of vaccination against COVID far outweigh the potential risks of these generally mild conditions.

Nevertheless, if you experience any change in symptoms after having a COVID vaccine, including chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, fainting or shortness of breath, you should seek prompt medical attention.

The vast majority of people with heart conditions are safe to get vaccinated. But if you have had myocarditis or pericarditis in the past six months then speak with your doctor or cardiologist.

Don’t delay getting your heart checked

Many people have been reluctant to seek medical attention amid the pandemic. This includes for both urgent and routine care of heart disease. Longer delays between the onset of the symptoms and hospital treatment are being reported[19] in countries including England, Italy and China. This makes long-term heart damage more likely.

One study[20] found global hospital admissions for heart attacks have decreased between 40% and 50%. An Australian study[21] found a 21% reduction in cardiac surgery at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between March and June 2020.

It’s important you don’t neglect your heart health even amid the pandemic. If you ever think you’re having a heart attack[22], call triple zero (000) immediately.

The author would like to thank the National Heart Foundation’s Amanda Buttery and Brooke Atkins for their help with this article.

References

  1. ^ quickly associated (www.ijidonline.com)
  2. ^ severe illness and death (jamanetwork.com)
  3. ^ heart complications (www.cochranelibrary.com)
  4. ^ causing myocarditis and pericarditis (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  5. ^ can also cause (www.cochranelibrary.com)
  6. ^ heart inflammation and injury to the heart muscle (www.jacc.org)
  7. ^ long COVID (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ One study (www.thelancet.com)
  9. ^ The mystery of 'long COVID': up to 1 in 3 people who catch the virus suffer for months. Here's what we know so far (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ highly transmissible (apps.who.int)
  11. ^ anecdotally may increase the chances of heart complications (www.abc.net.au)
  12. ^ Scottish study (www.thelancet.com)
  13. ^ remains effective (www.nejm.org)
  14. ^ a rare blood clotting syndrome (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ heart inflammation (jamanetwork.com)
  16. ^ The benefits of a COVID vaccine far outweigh the small risk of treatable heart inflammation (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ 5.6 million Pfizer vaccine doses (www.tga.gov.au)
  18. ^ 111 cases (www.tga.gov.au)
  19. ^ are being reported (academic.oup.com)
  20. ^ One study (academic.oup.com)
  21. ^ An Australian study (www.heartlungcirc.org)
  22. ^ having a heart attack (www.heartfoundation.org.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/how-covid-affects-the-heart-according-to-a-cardiologist-165446

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping