Covid-19’s Additional Threat: Is Your Heart Health At Risk?

Healthcare professionals are discovering new connections and health risks associated with contracting and fighting COVID-19.

Heart health is already an essential topic in any wellness discussion, but new research reveals how our cardiovascular health can be seriously impacted by coronavirus. Recent studies from Johns Hopkins University have shown that some patients infected with COVID-19 experience heart damage that may persist long after other symptoms have subsided. For some, this damage could be caused by the virus, or as a result of inflammation as the body tries to fight the virus. We know COVID-19 can result in death, and even those who recover can face lasting consequences – which is why following safety guidelines is so necessary to protect your health.

Researchers continue to work to understand short- and long-term ramifications of contracting COVID-19. For example, coronavirus patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or heart failure who contract the virus can face additional complications such as unstable heart rhythms or improper functioning of the heart. The virus may also result in clotting, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Those who are aware of pre-existing conditions should take extra precautions. In addition, other non-heart-related factors such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can worsen the potentially serious symptoms of the virus.

With new information being released frequently, stay informed about COVID-19 news so you can take safety precautions in addition to wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and frequently washing or sanitizing your hands.

Garnet Health Doctors, with eight locations and convenient hours is ready to care for you – and we take extensive precautions at our facilities to keep you safe from coronavirus. Our skilled, compassionate providers are highly trained on how to proactively protect patients. Precautions include masks required for everyone. Registration and waiting areas use social distancing. Many facilities utilize plastic shielding in key areas, and patient appointments are staggered to minimize foot traffic. These steps are complemented by aggressive cleaning and sanitizing.

Whether you need a test, procedure, doctor’s visit or urgent care, you can trust that our locations have rigorous safeguards in place.

Telehealth visits are also available. Telehealth is an easy, convenient way to talk to a doctor via a phone call or live video. This means you don’t have to leave your home – and that you can receive care from anywhere. Most insurance plans cover Telehealth, so don’t delay your medical needs or ignore symptoms that you would typically visit or call your doctor about.

To set up a Telehealth or in-person appointment, call (845) 333-7575. To learn more about primary care provided by Garnet Health Doctors, visit garnethealth.org/doctors or call our Bethel office at (845) 583-5620, Callicoon office at (845) 887-5693, the Liberty office at (845) 292-6684, Livingston Manor office at (845) 439-3579, Middletown office at (845) 333-7575, Monroe office at (845) 333-7830 or Monticello office at (845) 333-6500. For an appointment with Dr. Patel, call our Harris office at (845) 794-5335.