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Long Covid and your heart health risks
Long Covid how can it aff ect your heart health?
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Long Covid refers to a number of symptoms that are still present after the initial illness caused by the Coronavirus infection.
It can affect different systems in the body, such as respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular. The symptoms can persist for 4-12 weeks after the fi rst manifestation of Covid symptoms and can be quite debilitating.
According to a recent study by King’s College, age, female sex, and a high BMI are risk factors for developing Long Covid. Post-Covid conditions affecting the cardiovascular system are seen in about 50% of patients who suffered severe Covid and needed hospitalisation and about 10% of patients with mild or no symptoms.
Dr Simon Pearse, Consultant Cardiologist at New Victoria Hospital, says, “The most common symptoms from which people suffer in Long Covid include fatigue, breathlessness, joint pains, chest pains, palpitations, dizziness, cough and persistent loss of sense of smell. It is important that people who contracted Covid and presented both severe and mild symptoms and have ongoing symptoms, especially of breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain or palpitations, undergo a cardiac check-up to make sure their heart is working properly, and the viral infection hasn’t affected the cardiac function.”
New Victoria Hospital offers a Cardiac Screening Package dedicated not only to people suffering from Long Covid but to any adult who would like to have a cardiology check-up to detect undiagnosed cardiac conditions or prevent lifeimpacting or threatening diseases such as heart attacks or cardiac arrests.
The Cardiac Screening package includes the following examinations: • Health & Lifestyle Questionnaire – you will discuss potential risk factors and how to improve your diet and habits with your
Cardiologist. • ECG – a non-invasive examination where sensors are attached to the skin on your chest to see your heart rhythm and electrical activity. • Blood pressure check – this is to make sure your values are within a normal range. • Cardiology consultation – your Cardiologist will share your screening results and suggest further examinations, if needed.
Patients can book the Cardiac Screening package at New Victoria Hospital for £275. For enquiries and appointments, please call the Outpatient Department on 020 8949 9020 or email enquiries@newvictoria.co.uk. n
