According to the literature findings; The main effects of COVID-19 Infection on the Cardiovascular System are:
1- In the presence of accompanying Cardiovascular Disease, the risk of serious disease and death due to infection increases.
2- COVID-19 Infection; It is directly or indirectly related to undesirable events on the Cardiovascular System such as “Cardiac Muscle Damage”, “Rhythm Disorders”, “Heart Attack”, “Clot Formation in the Vessels”.
3) The drugs used in the treatment of the disease have various side effects on heart health.
COVID-19 is associated with increased risk and adverse events in cardiac patients. Approximately 40% of patients hospitalized due to illness are accompanied by Cardiovascular Diseases. In COVID-19 infection; While the mortality rate is approximately 10% in patients with cardiovascular disease, this rate is between 1-2% in healthy individuals. In other words, mortality rates are higher in those who have concomitant diseases than those without; It was 10.5% in patients with cardiovascular disease, 7.3% in diabetics, and 6% in those with hypertension.
A similar picture is available in Italy. Except for advanced age, most of the patients who have died have one or more underlying diseases (such as hypertension 73%, diabetes 34%, cardiovascular diseases 30%, rhythm disorders 22%).
In patients who died due to COVID-19, accompanying Cardiovascular Diseases are intense. In other words; If Cardiovascular Patients encounter this virus, the risk of fatal disease is high. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the social isolation of people with cardiovascular diseases.
The highest rates of hospitalization and mortality in COVID-19 Infection are seen in patients over the age of 60, this group constitutes 84% of all deaths. It should be kept in mind that Cardiovascular Diseases and hypertension are more common in the same age group (60-75% for> 60 years). For this reason, the available data are not sufficient to consider hypertension as a direct risk factor for hospitalization and mortality rate and to establish a causality relationship. The prevalence of these diseases, especially in elderly patients, and their accompanying disease suggest that the prevalence of these diseases at this age may be related.
Is it necessary to change heart medication of patients with COVID-19 infection or suspected / risk?
Information on the use of many drugs used in Cardiovascular Diseases during COVID-19 Infection is limited. However, in the light of the information we have, it is recommended that patients continue their current heart, hypertension and cholesterol-lowering medications, as there is no definitive evidence showing their benefits and harms.
As a result;
Especially the need for hospitalization and death rates are higher in patients with COVID-19 who are of advanced age and have underlying diseases.
The rates of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension were found to be high in the patients who were lost. Therefore, it is essential to protect this risky group against the disease.
Apart from following social isolation and personal hygiene rules, it is vital that these patients continue their current medication, exercise even at home, and pay attention to their sleep and diet.
These patients in the high risk group; In case of complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fainting, they should definitely contact their doctor as soon as possible.
