We understand that you may have a number of concerns about COVID-19 and your heart, and about how heart conditions and COVID-19 affect each other.
Have peace of mind about COVID-19 and your heart care.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, and the medical community is still learning more about the virus and how it spreads. As physicians, one of our concerns throughout the pandemic has been that patients experiencing serious health issues, such as heart attacks and strokes, are not seeking help because they fear being exposed to the virus at a healthcare facility. The result of prolonging treatment can, in many cases, result in severe complications.
Your health is our priority, and we have taken numerous measures at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Health to ensure that you receive care in a safe environment.
Don't ignore your cardiovascular symptoms.
Especially if you have a heart condition. Getting care is critical. You'll get better faster and you'll limit damage to your health.
Heart Attack
Stroke
Hospitals have safety measures to protect you from COVID-19 infection.
At Baptist Health, we’ve always maintained high standards of safety and cleanliness. Now, in addition to our existing ongoing safety procedures, we’ve added new measures to keep us all well.
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Your Heart
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Heart conditions and COVID-19 do present additional concerns. While anyone can get infected, patients with cardiac conditions may be more susceptible to infections and are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
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This is an important consideration regarding COVID-19 and your heart. COVID-19 can be more severe in patients with heart conditions, and the risk of dying is also higher compared to patients without heart conditions. Symptoms can range from a mild illness to a deadly presentation, even in patients without cardiac disease.
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The coronavirus can affect the heart directly or indirectly, and it can cause heart attacks, heart failure and arrhythmias.
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If you think you have been infected with COVID-19, contact your provider or use the Baptist Health Care On Demand app to get a virtual evaluation promptly. If you develop warning signs for COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately. Warning signs may include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to awaken, and bluish lips or face.
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Interaction between COVID-19 and your heart can be complicated, and the virus can affect the heart in different ways: It can cause rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries or infiltrate the heart muscle. Also, the inflammation caused by COVID-19 infection can worsen a weak heart or may aggravate or trigger arrhythmias.
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Continue taking all your medications as prescribed. If you have any questions about your medications, talk to your medical provider before making any changes.
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To prevent an infection with COVID-19, wear a face mask when outside your home, maintain social distancing, limit interactions with other people, avoid public places, wash your hands frequently, and keep a healthy diet and exercise while taking social distancing precautions.
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It is important to follow up with your cardiologist to evaluate if the virus caused any further damage to your heart.
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COVID-19 Clinical Trials
We are actively involved in clinical trials, researching ways to understand how COVID-19 impacts the heart. If you have had this virus and are interested in learning more about COVID-19 clinical trials, talk with your doctor or view our list of trials.