The Covid-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has been around for a while now, right? Many of us have probably recovered from it by now. But did you know that heart problems can arise weeks or even months after Covid has passed? The surprising thing is that this condition can also occur in people who have recovered from Covid without any serious illness. So, don't panic. Let's be aware of this today.
What is the connection between Covid-19 and the heart?
As you know, the virus that causes COVID-19 mainly targets our lungs. That's why symptoms like difficulty breathing first appear. But this infection doesn't stop there. Sometimes this virus can also affect our heart.
Simply put, when a virus enters the body, our immune system fights it. This fight causes a condition called 'inflammation' throughout the body. It's like a war. This inflammation can sometimes spread to the heart, damaging heart cells.
There are two main complications that can occur to the heart due to Covid-19.
1. Myocarditis
This is when the heart muscle becomes inflamed. Just as our bodies swell when we get injured, the heart muscle can also become inflamed due to a viral infection. When this happens, it becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood properly and beat properly. Myocarditis is most commonly caused by viruses like COVID.
The important thing is that this condition is not very serious in most cases. However, some people can have it without any symptoms. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms.
| Symptoms that may occur in the case of myocarditis | |
|---|---|
| Chest pain | A feeling of tightness, of being suffocated in the chest. |
| Severe fatigue | Feeling too tired to even do normal tasks. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath even when resting or doing light work. |
| Irregular heartbeat | Feeling like your heart rate suddenly increases, decreases, or skips a beat. |
The best way to prevent myocarditis caused by COVID-19 is to get the COVID vaccine . Then, even if you get the virus, your body will fight it off and control it before it causes serious damage.
2. Blood Clots
Blood clots are jelly-like clumps of blood. This is actually a good defense mechanism in our body. Imagine that when you cut your hand, the bleeding stops because these clots form and seal the wound. But the problem is, if these clots form in the wrong places, at the wrong time. If such a clot gets stuck inside a blood vessel, it can stop the blood flow and damage organs.
Covid infection increases the risk of these unwanted blood clots. We need to be aware of two main types.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg or arm.
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): This is a very dangerous condition. This is when a blood clot that breaks off from a DVT travels through the bloodstream and gets stuck in a vein in the lungs.
| Blood clot type | Common symptoms |
|---|---|
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Blood clot in the deep veins | |
| Swelling of an arm or leg | Often, swelling is seen on only one side. |
| Spinal pain in the leg | Feeling pain, especially when walking or standing. |
| Skin discoloration | Redness or blueness in the swollen area. |
| Warmth in the hand or foot | The swollen area feels warmer to the touch than the other side. |
| Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - Blood clot in the lungs (this is an emergency!) | |
| Sudden difficulty breathing | Feeling like you suddenly can't breathe for no reason. |
| Mucus discharge with blood | Coughing up blood mixed with mucus. |
| Irregular heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating fast. |
| Chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath | Feeling pain like a sharp stab. |
If you have any suspicion that you may be experiencing symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE) , go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately. This is not something to delay.
When should you see a doctor?
After recovering from COVID, there are a few symptoms that may indicate that your heart has been affected. If you have any of these, don't waste time and see your doctor or go to a hospital.
- Persistent fatigue: If you feel too tired to do even the smallest task, even weeks after recovering from COVID.
- Shortness of breath: If you have difficulty breathing at times, such as when climbing stairs or walking at a fast pace.
- Swelling: Especially if your legs, ankles, and feet are swollen.
- Chest pain: If your chest feels tight or constricted.
If you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, it is imperative to go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
If I have heart disease, is the Covid vaccine safe for me?
Absolutely yes. The Covid vaccine is very safe and very important for people with heart disease. The side effects of the vaccine affect you just as much as they do for someone without heart disease. In fact, the risk of complications from Covid is much higher for someone with heart disease. So the best thing to do is to prevent yourself from getting Covid. The best solution for that is to get vaccinated. Even if you get infected, once you get the vaccine, the chances of the disease getting severe and requiring hospitalization are much lower.
Is the Covid vaccine a risk to my child's heart?
This is a question that many parents have. Simply put, the Covid infection itself is a bigger threat to a child’s heart than the side effects of the Covid vaccine . The risk of developing conditions like Myocarditis due to the vaccine is very low. However, if you get Covid, the risk of such complications is much higher. Therefore, the best way to protect your child’s heart is to get them vaccinated as directed by your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Even after recovering from COVID-19 infection, some people may develop heart-related complications (myocarditis, blood clots).
- Be aware of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, and swelling in the legs.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, do not ignore them and contact your doctor immediately. If you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect against these heart complications. This is especially important for people who already have heart disease.
- Don't panic. The most important thing is to be informed and seek proper medical advice when needed.
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