COVID-19 AND HEART FAILURE
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become clear that certain people are at higher risk from the sometimes devastating impacts of COVID-19. This includes people with cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and diabetes1 — groups of people with serious, often life-threatening conditions that without proper management can have detrimental consequences.
The pandemic may leave these people unsure of how to manage their disease — who to see, when and whether to visit the doctor, or worse — whether to go to the emergency department2,3. The overwhelming influx of information is leaving those most vulnerable to COVID-19 confused and insecure, potentially further escalating their risk.
Please see below for further guidance and information we have gathered from trusted heart failure charities the Pumping Marvellous Foundation and the British Heart Foundation:
The Pumping Marvellous Foundation - patient symptom management checker
BHF – Coronavirus and your health portal
As scientists and doctors learn more about these risks and how to best manage them, more guidance will come. In the meantime, keep in regular contact with your doctor, particularly if you notice any changes in your symptoms.
References
- World Health Organization. Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19). Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses Last accessed August 25 2020.
- British Heart Foundation. Heart attack symptoms. Available at: URL: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/heart-attack/heart-attack-symptoms. Last accessed august 25 2020.
- Two important messages on COVID-19 and CVD [European Society of Cardiology, COVID 19 and Cardiology; ESC TV]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/embed/ctNq26xAEx4?rel=0&autoplay=1. Last accessed August 25 2020.