Mumbai: Doctors see rise in heart diseases post-Covid-19

Doctors recommend follow-ups for up to three months after recovering from Covid-19. Representation pic

An 18-year-old girl was recently brought to KEM Hospital with a heart attack. She neither had Covid-19 symptoms nor was she vaccinated, but tested positive for antibodies. Doctors treating the teenager said the link between Covid-19 and her heart condition is indirect evidence.

However, city doctors said they have been lately seeing younger patients who have developed heart-related issues after suffering from Covid-19. They said there was need to create awareness about it so that people seek medical help on time.

"During Covid-19 or four to six weeks after recovery, people have heart attacks. But, that would happen with other viral infections as well. The numbers are high during pandemics. Any inflammatory condition can cause heart attacks. Since Covid is affecting more people than dengue or any other virus, the number of patients getting heart attacks is higher," said Dr Sudhir Pillai, cardiologist at P D Hinduja Hospital.

He said Covid also has the propensity to attack the heart, as well as cause clots in the heart and blood circulation which lead to massive heart attacks, and also weaken the heart muscle by causing an inflammatory reaction called myocarditis.

Also read: Mumbai: Daily Covid-19 deaths rise

Dr Prafulla Kerkar, head of cardiology department at KEM Hospital, said, "A latest study from Sweden has shown that Covid is definitely a risk factor for both heart and brain attacks. In our medical practice, we have seen even younger people coming with heart attacks, but to prove it to be a cause is difficult. However, one should take precautions; get vaccinated and follow Covid-19 norms. Heart patients should continue their medicines."

Dr Hasmukh Ravat, cardiologist from Fortis Hospital, said, "One thing that we have seen rise is fear of Covid-19 and anxiety. We are seeing a lot of young people coming with complaints of chest pain. Apart from that, theoretically, Covid-19 can lead to heart attack from a few weeks to a few months after recovery because of the inflammatory coagulation process. To prevent this, we recommend four to eight weeks of blood thinning medicines."

Doctors suggest that post-Covid-19, to keep the heart healthy, one should have regular cardiac screening, stick to a healthy diet, stay physically active and take medication as prescribed by the doctor.

Dr Pillai said, "Watch out for signs of unusual heaviness of chest, breathlessness, etc. If you are already a heart patient and notice your symptoms worsening, approach the doctor. If you are recovering for six weeks to three months, depending on your prior physical condition, don't indulge in athletic activities that stress your body beyond a particular limit."