What a roller coaster had been in 2020! Right? Even with the beginning of the new year and several vaccines coming up, COVID19 does not seem to rest. As it continues to evolve and grow, taking stringent precautions has become a mandatory part of life. Although it is a respiratory disorder, COVID19 has proven itself to be highly drastic for the heart as well.
As determined by several studies, people aged 65 years or above or those having heart disease are at higher risk of catching COVID19 than those not having heart disease. Thus, it has become more crucial than ever to keep your heart healthy and fit during this COVID19 pandemic that seems not close to leaving us.
So, here we have unveiled a set of imperative practices that can help you keep your heart healthy. Together by taking all the measures, we can fight off this heinous virus.
Read through to get aware and spread awareness!
- Stay home but stay active
You might wonder how one can remain active while staying at home. But COVID times have proven enough that there are tonnes of activities that can be performed even at home to stay physically fit. Activities like yoga, simple exercises, a walk, and other day-to-day household work can be a great way to remain on your toes without getting exhausted.
- Put a full stop to stress
Stress is known to be the biggest enemy of your heart health. However, we cannot deny that COVID had been quite overwhelming and still there seems no stoppage. But letting it take its toll on you won’t do any good to your heart health. So, try alleviating all the pessimism and let the ray of hope shine on your health.
- Prefer telemedicine
Staying in touch with your heart specialist is mandatory in this new normal. Even when your body seems to function properly, consult your doctor regularly through telemedicine. However, in case of emergency, contact your heart specialist and then immediately rush to the nearby best heart hospital.
Telemedicine is an excellent solution that lets you manage your cholesterol and gauge all the risk factors that can worsen your heart disease or cause stroke.
- Consume a heart-healthy diet
Whether you are a heart patient or not, a well-balanced diet is the key to a healthy heart. And COVID has made it more important than ever to eat healthy food. Be thorough with all the vegetables and food groups that make your heart sound and healthy.
Green vegetables should not be skipped in your diet. Boosting your immunity is the mere path of fighting off the virus. Also, avoiding alcohol and smoking is mandatory for keeping your heart functionality normal.
- Strictly follow the medication routine
Another highly critical routine for a healthy heart is strictly following your care plan, including consuming all your medications timely. Unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so, don’t even think of skipping on this part.
Medicines play a primary role in controlling your high blood pressure, cholesterol, uric acid, and other signs that may lead to heart disease.
Also, try to avoid the whole lot of misinformation that is thriving everywhere related to medications, vitamins, and vaccines of COVID19. However, if you want to go for any new therapy or new medication like vitamins or over-the-counter drugs, make sure to connect with your heart specialist.
Tip: Don’t believe anything said or read, especially in this new era of COVID19!
- Practice heart-healthy habits
Incorporating healthy heart habits help to bolster your immune system and enhance the functioning of your heart. They help you prevent a heart disorder or stop the heart disorder from getting worse. Along with this, such habits help in restricting the recurrence of a heart problem.
And here’s the list of all those healthy practices which you should swear by in your routine:
- Stay hydrated
- Pick a healthy diet over junk food
- Physical exercise like a simple walk is highly imperative
- Getting seven to eight hours of baby sleep keeps your heart fit and healthy
- Avoid alcohol
- Stop smoking
- Overeating should be cut down from your routine
- Don’t smoke or overindulge with food or alcohol
- Keep a backup of all your medications for at least one month at home
- Strictly follow your healthcare plan, including all medications and consultations
- Maintain social distance
The new normal is all about maintaining a mandatory physical distance between yourself and others. Staying at home is the key to remaining protected from social gatherings and crowds, primarily when you house a heart disorder or you are above 65 years. Remaining indoors is a wise choice to remain risk-free of exposure and getting infected with the virus.
However, one must not confuse social distancing with emotional, social, and spiritual isolation. All it means is maintaining a minimum distance from others and avoiding non-essential errands and travel.
When to see a doctor
Watch out for the following signs that may indicate the presence of the COVID19 virus:
- Dry cough
- Fever or chills
- Muscle pain
- Loss of smell and taste
- Shortness of breath Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
However, other than these, your heart may also signal the red flags of housing Covid19.
In such a case, watch out for the following signs:
- Severe chest pain or discomfort, especially during physical activity
- Facial drooping observed only on one side of the face
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Arm weakness
- Speech problems
- Loss of vision
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Severe headache
- Leg swelling
- Passing out
If you observe any of the above symptoms, immediately rush to the hospital for a timely diagnosis and a substantial treatment procedure.
Consult The Heart Specialists At Patiala Heart Institute
Don’t let these unprecedented times create a fear among you to get medical assistance due to COVID19. Therefore, if you observe any unusual symptom that indicates heart disease accompanied by COVID19, kindly connect with the heart specialists in Patiala.
Known for medical excellence and unstinting dedication; the Patiala Heart Institute has become a profound institution providing at par healthcare services.
For any queries related to heart disorder and COVID19, kindly connect with us right away!