New York’s Staten Island. Cardiology doctors advise that it’s crucial to closely monitor your heart and symptoms during the current spike in influenza, COVID-19, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses.
According to a statement from Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, some patients may believe that symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, weakness, fever, or shortness of breath are only caused by these winter viruses. However, these symptoms can also be linked to or conceal serious cardiovascular problems like heart attack, pulmonary embolism, viral myocarditis, pericarditis, or even heart failure.
The experts cautioned that some patients have been ignoring the signals of significant heart complications because they believe they had the flu.
For instance, Dr. Johanna Contreras, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, stated that some patients who have symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, puffiness, and palpitations mistakenly believe they have a cold. Other individuals may need to think about the possibility that myocarditis is the cause of their ongoing chest pain and palpitations following an acute viral illness.
The doctor advised against disregarding these symptoms, believing them to be a persistent viral infection, particularly if you have a high risk of heart disease.
A significant cardiac disease can progress quickly, so it’s important to discover symptoms early before they become life-threatening, Contreras advised. If you have worsening chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, make sure to phone 911 or consult your doctor.
People who have coronary artery disease may experience heart attacks due to inflammation. According to the hospital release, it can also make heart failure symptoms worse and cause fast or irregular heartbeats, which might result in hospitalization.
Dr. Anuradha Lala, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, stated that although the immune system’s main function is to eradicate the virus, the inflammatory reaction may unintentionally damage heart tissue. Therefore, viral infections have the potential to exacerbate or worsen underlying heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, or heart failure, if you already have a known heart ailment.
According to a hospital announcement, doctors have observed post-viral myocarditis inflammation around the heart, which can lead to consequences like heart failure and cardiogenic shock in otherwise healthy people.
According to Dr. Icilma Fergus, director of cardiovascular disparities for the Mount Sinai Health System, “anyone is susceptible, even healthcare providers themselves are susceptible, and anyone who is not paying attention to their symptoms may get sick with potentially life-threatening complications.”
According to experts, it might be challenging to distinguish between heart attack symptoms and viral symptoms, Fergus added.
According to the doctor, a recent patient who experienced extreme weakness, palpitations, exhaustion, and shortness of breath was suspected of having heart failure. Following blood tests, there was a panic when we were unable to contact the patient to inform them of the results, which showed a markedly increased troponin level that may indicate a heart attack. Despite our greatest suspicions, we were able to contact the patient and they were admitted to the hospital with severe viral myocarditis and influenza A. They received the proper treatment, and fortunately, things worked out well.
Heart disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that heart disease is the leading cause of death for most racial and ethnic groups, as well as for men and women.
Every 33 seconds, someone in the US passes away from cardiovascular illness, and over 700,000 individuals die from heart disease each year, with 80% of these deaths being avoidable.
Heart disease can strike anyone, but those who have cardiovascular risk factors such high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or tobacco use are more vulnerable.
Another determinant is age, particularly for men over 55 and women going through menopause (45 to 55).
Untreated viral diseases may also put some groups at greater risk for problems, such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, and recent immigrants. However, adopting small changes to a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in any group.
More health stories on SILive
-
Could coffee ward off dementia? Study reports lower risk in certain circumstances
-
RUMC appoints new hematology/oncology leadership team
-
Costco recall: These medicines may be contaminated
-
Free mental health courses to be offered on Staten Island
+ There are no comments
Add yours