Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19

Cardiovascular diseases—such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation—are known risk factors for developing severe symptoms if a person becomes infected with the novel coronavirus. If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, it can be especially nerve-racking to be living through the current COVID-19 pandemic.

However, you can take proactive steps to mitigate your personal risk of contracting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) illness. Read on to learn more about cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, and how to optimally manage your health to stay safe during the pandemic.

Why is the COVID-19 virus more dangerous for people who have cardiovascular disease?

According to guidance issued by the American College of Cardiology, “Those with underlying cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and have a worse prognosis.” This may be because infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can put stress on the heart. If your heart is already vulnerable due to preexisting heart disease, added stress from a COVID-19 infection can lead to complications such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, heart inflammation, or worsening of heart failure.

In fact, a study from the American College of Cardiology shows that nearly a quarter of the patients who are critically ill with COVID-19 have suffered damage to their heart muscle. Researchers are examining how exactly this damage occurs, and how these effects on the heart may be lessened with antiviral medications.

I have cardiovascular disease—what exactly is my risk when it comes to COVID-19?

The connection between cardiovascular disease and the risk of severe COVID-19 infection is clear. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis of people being treated for COVID-19 found that 78% of patients who necessitated intensive care unit (ICU) treatment had at least one underlying health condition. When specific conditions were isolated, 29% of COVID-positive patients with cardiovascular disease needed treatment in the ICU.

When it comes to fatality, an advisory issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) cites a 10.5% death rate in people with COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease, based on study data from Wuhan, China. This is compared to a 7.3% fatality rate for those with diabetes, and a 5.6% fatality rate for those with cancer.

While these statistics are alarming, medical treatment teams have learned a lot more about the virus since it first appeared in China in December 2019, so outcomes for those with cardiovascular disease will only continue to improve.

Should I continue taking my heart medications as usual, even during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Put simply: Yes. The American Heart Association emphasizes that heart patients should continue taking their medications exactly as prescribed.

This recommendation is particularly important for patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), as there has been confusion regarding these particular medications and theories about their impact on the virus and the body’s immune response. These theories have not been validated, so you should not stop taking your medications. These medications do not appear to increase your risk of contracting COVID-19.

When it comes to other over-the-counter medications that may be useful for viral illnesses, make sure to check in with your medical provider prior to initiating self-treatment at home. Certain medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and nasal decongestants, can be counterproductive because they can raise blood pressure.

For any medications that you are prescribed, make sure to use RxSaver to find discounted coupons on your prescriptions.

I have heart disease—how else should I be taking care of myself during the COVID pandemic?

According to the American College of Cardiology, it is important to be fully vaccinated against other illnesses that could complicate an infection with COVID-19, specifically influenza and pneumonia. If you are concerned that you may not be up to date on these vaccines, contact your health care provider.

It is also important to stay on top of your prescription medication supplies so that you don’t run out during this time of mandated self-isolation. Ask your medical provider if you might be eligible to receive an extended prescription for a 90-day supply.

In addition to stocking your medicine cabinet and discussing your concerns with your medical provider, the American Heart Association has specific recommendations about the importance of staying active and eating heart-healthy foods, even while adhering to shelter-in-place guidelines. You can learn more, and even check out their COVID-19 heart-healthy recipes, on their COVID-19 resources site.