COVID-19 Can Affect Heart Health
Date: 02/02/22
Emerging studies show that COVID-19 can damage even healthy hearts, so being heart healthy is more important than ever especially for those living with heart conditions. In honor of February’s American Heart Month, Buckeye Health Plan is encouraging all community members to live heart healthy by understanding their risk factors and the symptoms of heart disease.
COVID-19 impact
The CDC cautions that people living with certain heart conditions have an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, making them more likely to be hospitalized, need intensive care, and require a ventilator to breathe.[1] It’s also affecting those who don’t contract the virus. Studies show that the rise in COVID-19 cases has been followed by a decrease in the number of people diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, in part because fewer people are visiting their doctors or going to the hospital when they suspect problems. This has resulted in an increased risk for cardiac events like heart attacks and strokes.5
“Getting to a hospital or doctor in time means everything when it comes to surviving a heart attack or stroke,” said Dr. Brad Lucas, Buckeye Chief Medical Officer. “Outcomes are heavily tied to how quickly care is received, so please call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital if you experience symptoms. Hospitals continue to take extra measures to help keep patients safe from exposure to COVID-19.”
Emerging evidence also shows that even some people who were not hospitalized for COVID-19, or had minimal if any symptoms, may still experience cardiac injury.[2] While more research is needed, studies has shown several ways the virus can impact even healthy hearts:
- It stresses the heart and makes it work harder because it attacks other organs such as the kidneys, lungs and liver. 2
- It infects heart muscle cells and weakens them, which can lead to heart disease. 2
- It directly damages blood vessels, which can lead to small blood clots and inflammation in the heart — which might cause long-term damage and increased risk of heart failure. 2
Risk Factors
Even before COVID-19, heart disease has long been the number one killer in Ohio and the U.S., leading to about 28,000 Ohio deaths each year and ranking Ohio 12th in the nation for the highest rate of deaths from heart disease.[3] While some risk factors, like genetics, are beyond our control, others are within reach. The leading contributing risk factors for heart disease that are controllable include:[4]
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity
- Overweight and obesity
Signs and Symptoms
Know the signs and symptoms so you can spot a heart attack early when it’s most treatable. Warning signs for a heart attack can include:[5]
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
It’s also important to remember that men and women can have different symptoms for a heart attack. Women are more likely to experience other symptoms outside of chest pain including a heartburn-like feeling, sudden dizziness, nausea or vomiting, cold sweat and unusual fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Live Heart Healthy
“Prevention is key. At Buckeye, we recommend that everyone has a yearly check for risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol,” said Dr. Lucas. “Plus, lifestyle changes are your best defense.” Dr. Lucas recommends the following heart-healthy steps to reduce risk of heart disease:
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Exercise at least 20 minutes each day
- Set a weight loss goal
- Stop smoking
- Check with your health plan about available support programs
“Buckeye offers care management to our members with chronic diseases like congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. We frequently check in with members to be sure they are sticking to their care management plan, offer guidance around doctor appointments, and arrange their transportation to and from doctor appointments when they need it,” says Dr. Lucas. “Ultimately, we become part of our members’ support teams, helping them achieve their health goals.” Plus, Buckeye members earn $50 in My Health Pays® rewards for completing an annual well visit to remain heart healthy.
Healthy Heart Infographic (PDF)
Buckeye Health Plan offers managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, integrated Medicaid-Medicare (called MyCare Ohio) and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, by providing coordinated healthcare and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BuckeyeHealthPlan. Buckeye is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering core Medicaid, Medicare and specialty services.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People With Certain Medical Conditions. December 2020.
[2] National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. COVID and the Heart: A Bounty of Questions. February 25, 2021.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stats of the State of Ohio. April 2018.
[4] Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Heart Disease and Stroke. Retrieved January 2020.
[5] American Heart Association. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Retrieved January 2020.