Coronavirus: Long COVID can lead to THIS heart problem; do not take lightly

Many who recover from COVID-19 think it is okay to go back to their everyday routine. Because they have tested negative, they feel like they've won their fight against the deadly virus. But NOT SO FAST!

Long COVID is a condition, wherein coronavirus symptoms last longer and persist for weeks or months after recovery. During this period, experts recommend taking rest, eating healthy and indulging in mild, gentle activities.

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COVID-19 can cause mild, moderate to severe infection, while some people can remain asymptomatic. Most COVID patients recover fully within four weeks. However, some people may experience lingering symptoms that may persist for weeks or months after recovery. Some of the common health issues include: fatigue, shortness of breath and muscle aches.

Doctor Annette Alaeus, an infectious disease specialist from Livi, an online GP service, says that heart palpitations are a common symptom.

“COVID-19 is considered to be a systemic disease, not just a respiratory disease, even though the virus enters the body through the respiratory system,” she said.

“This systemic involvement is probably immune-related and different individuals react in different ways to the infection,” she adds.

Also read: Long COVID: THIS symptom seen in 90% of mild COVID cases can take years to recover

She continues saying that more research is needed to explain why long Covid can cause heart palpitations in some instances. However, according to her, "...experts believe that it could be due to the virus affecting the autonomic nervous system as opposed to the heart itself."

“This part of our nervous system is responsible for regulating a number of the body’s automatic processes including breathing rate, blood pressure and heart rate,” she goes on to explain.

Heart palpitations are characterized by a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart, as per the Mayo Clinic.

While they’re usually harmless, they can be concerning, if accompanied by other heart problems such as chest pain, body ache and shortness of breath.

Heart palpitations are usually an outcome of stress, exercise, certain medications or an underlying health condition.

By now we know that the SARs-CoV-2 virus not only causes respiratory illness, but takes a toll on other organs in the body.

Doctor Alaeus explains, "Despite being initially thought of as a respiratory illness, we now know that the effects of COVID-19 can impact other areas of your body too, including the heart."

This could be attributed to hyperinflammatory state triggered by the virus, which can cause clots to form anywhere in the body. The disease therefore affects blood vessels, which in turn damage certain organs in the body.

Doctor Alaeus says, “Palpitations aren’t usually a cause for concern but if they persist or begin to worry you, it’s best to speak to a GP."

Furthermore, she recommends seeking urgent medical help, if you start experiencing heart palpitations along with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling faint.

Switch to a healthy lifestyle

Currently, scientists are still figuring out a treatment for long COVID. But in the meanswhile, doctor Alaeus recommended taking extra care of one's general health, particularly the heart.

“Try cutting back on alcohol and caffeine and ensure you’re eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre," she says.

“Try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar.

"Regular moderate exercise such as a 30 minute brisk walk every day has proven health benefits to the heart, consult with your doctor to learn how to safely build up your cardiovascular fitness," she adds.

Long COVID symptoms can be wide-ranging. You may experience general signs like persistent cough, fatigue, tiredness and body aches and pains, but you can also have neurological symptoms including difficulty thinking or concentrating, headache, sleep problems, dizziness.

Loss of smell or taste, and depression or anxiety are also neurological problems one may face long after recovering from COVID-19.

Some people have also reported digestive issues such as diarrhea and stomach pain.