Do you have covid or are recovering from it?

While thankfully most who recover from Covid make a full recovery some who aren’t quite so lucky are experiencing lingering heart issues. What is being seen is very minimal exertion leading directly to an increased heart rate and even palpitations. This is in patients who prior to contracting COVID had no heart issues at all.

If you have had COVID and are experiencing any of the following symptoms that still linger please contact Tampa Cardiovascular Associates or another cardiologist you may already be a patient of.

• Feeling your heart beat irregularly
• Feeling your heart beat rapidly with little effort
• Feeling like your heart is weak
• Lightheadedness or dizziness, especially when standing up
• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath

What your doctor will evaluate:

• A clinical exam
• Dehydration check
• Wearing a portable electrocardiogram for 24 hours to monitor your heart rate and rhythm
• An echocardiogram to look for cardiac damage
• Taking your orthostatic blood pressure, which means checking your blood pressure in a lying, sitting and standing position

It is important to note that most patients, even those who experience these scary lingering symptoms, will return to normal after a time. The danger is that some post-covid patients may experience heart rhythms that could lead to blood clots, heart attack, or even stroke. Atrial fibrillation is becoming common due to the high state of inflammation COVID causes throughout the entire body.

 

Complications can occur in the post COVID recovery phase but are most common in patients with pre-existing conditions. We understand you are very ready to resume your normal life and activities, but if you feel strange new sensations in your chest or heart do not ever ignore them. It is important for your wellbeing to get checked out by a cardiologist.

 

www.Tampacardio.com

813-975-2800