The world is under a pandemic which has hit the nation violently, the continuous health crisis has become a new threat to the country, where the government is also taking various precautionary measures to gradually unlock the country. A new study reveals that patients with pre-existing heart problems are highly vulnerable to COVID-19. Therefore, it is advised for additional precautionary measures to be undertaken for such patients.
Even though the recovery rate in India has reached 75 % but the mortality is rate is still stuck on the higher side. And the study says that 15 % of the patients losing lives due to this virus have a history of Cardiac complications. The other reasons for the fatality rate are diabetes and hypertension along with the additional factors of pre-existing heart conditions. Research says, the rate of infection is fifteen times higher in people under the age group of 80 or above and is around six-folds for patients above the age of 60 years. Under six months of the COVID crisis, showed the elderly population is more vulnerable to mortality due to COVID than the rest of the population.
Dr.SS Sibia, Director, Sibia Medical Centre talks about Heart Patients and says, the major factor for attributing the lower immunity and decreased speed of body response to tackle inflammation in the elderly people are the heart conditions of the patients to some extent. It is therefore advised to take extra precautions to avoid the effect of COVID for such patients.
He continues saying, “India is the only country with 6 crore people having some form of heart disease with a mortality rate of 35 lac per annum. And is the only country present in the whole world with the everyday rising of the number of heart patients. Therefore it is estimated around 9000 per day lose their lives and the count is still increasing”
What are the things you can change in your lifestyle for lesser risk factor?
• From the heart point of view, they should keep the risk factors like Blood Pressure, Sugar at the best, and should keep a regular check on it.
• Avoid all eating non-vegetarian food and reduced the level of oil to cut down lipids.
• Doing Yoga and meditation is very important for at least half an hour a day.
• Walking and exercise is a vital part which can be restricted at home during this time.
• Boosting up immunity is very significant by taking extra doses of Anti-Oxidants like Vitamin C, Haldi, Amla, Tulsi, and try to eat plenty of vegetables, salads, and fruits.
If we talk about the medication involved for these are two vital advice to increase the dosage of statins by 10 mg and replace one group of medicine called ACE Inhibitors/ Angiotensin Receptor blockers (ACE-I and ARB). These are a group of medicines that show a higher risk of Corona Infection. Therefore it is advised to consult your physician before replacement. And those with low Ejection Fraction should also take extra precautions and avoid extra fluid intake, said Dr.SS Sibia.
