(For those that have recovered, those that need cardiac examinations and those that have any cardiovascular symptoms)
By Dr. Joseph Freedman MD, MBA
COVID-19 has taken its toll on us mentally, emotionally, and physically, and although most of us are beyond the shock and disbelief phase of the pandemic, what researchers and physicians are seeing is the lingering effects of cardiac conditions directly and indirectly related to the virus is astronomical.
Cardiovascular DIRECT Correlation from COVID
COVID-19 has been well researched and it’s clear that it can intensify or create cardiovascular issues in many patients. These symptoms can show up long after you’ve recovered from the virus. Myocarditis, pericarditis, blood clots, strokes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis are all risks of having had the virus.
A JAMA Cardiology study looked at 100 patients that had recovered from COVID-19 within a two to three month period, and examined their cardiac MRIs. The researchers reported that 78% of the patients had cardiac abnormalities. 60% of them had ongoing myocardial inflammation, and 76% showed high levels of the blood enzyme troponin, which is a key indicator of heart damage.
If you have any of the following symptoms, call 911 and seek medical care immediately.
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sensations of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart
• Lightheaded or dizzy
• Tightness in chest
• Pain down arm or in the shoulder or jaw
• Sudden confusion
Cardiovascular INDIRECT Correlation from COVID
If cardiac patients miss checkup or follow up appointments, or ignore their symptoms, many times they will end up in the emergency room. When cardiologists evaluate and assist patients with prescriptions, recommend imaging or lab work and check their vital signs or doing other diagnostic testing it’s a thorough process that will keep them safe and well monitored to avoid cardiac events. If you are still putting off your cardiac visit because you don’t want to go the office or feel you don’t have time, you are putting yourself in danger. Make an appointment as soon as possible to alleviate your risk.
If you are having any new or intensified cardiovascular symptoms, do not ignore them!
If you had COVID-19 or are in need of a cardiology examination, schedule an appointment today.
Joseph Freedman, M.D.
Dr. Freedman brings many years of experience as a cutting edge cardiologist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all cardiac disease. He trained at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, continually ranked #1 in Cardiovascular Care, where he focused on cardiac imaging. He achieved five board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Comprehensive Adult ECHO, Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT. During his tenure as the lead noninvasive cardiologist at Florida Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale, he helped lead the hospital to achieve Level 5 chest pain certification, the highest designation of cardiac excellence.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
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3208 Chiquita Blvd S., Suite 110, Cape Coral, FL 33914
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