Written by Deepak Kumar Nayak and Aryan Pratyush Nayak and Guided by Dr. Anand Agarwal.

COVID-19 at a glance

The covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the world as a whole. As of 1st of December 2020, the disease has spread over to more than 200 countries among 6,35,76,363 people and has claimed the lives of more than 14,00,000 people worldwide. The contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) extends its period of chaos with each passing day as we wait for an effective vaccine.

With lockdown easing off in most parts of the world, people may start considering that things have started to normalize again and that the disease is no more a threat; however, statistics show the other way around.

As per the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) situation reports given by WHO(World Health Organisation), there are still about 2,00,00,000 active patients worldwide with the pandemic reaching its third stage in most parts. As many countries start preparing for the second wave of the disease, there are some things that we need to look down on.

 

Second Wave Of COVID-19 And Its Footprints

The term 2nd wave refers to a particular phase of infections that can occur during a pandemic.

As observed, the Coronavirus infects one group of people first. For a specific time, the infection rate decreases. And then, it increases rapidly by infecting a different part of the community, giving rise to the second wave of COVID-19.

Countries worldwide are resisting a second wave of COVID-19 infections. They are bending down again, with Australia developing a record daily rise in cases, Vietnam locking down the city of Danang, and China recording new cases after announcing itself virus free.

In India, after recording the highest number of cases in September, there was a steady decline in daily covid positive cases. But the trend over the past few weeks has turned this scenario in our country.

The country is witnessing a jump in new cases once again.

States like Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have reported such cases. This indicates that the 2nd wave has also stricken our country. Moreover, as per our government’s report, Delhi is witnessing the third wave of infections.

 

The Puzzling Relationship Between Coronavirus and The Heart

COVID-19 was initially considered to be a respiratory infection, but pieces of evidence have shown that this virus affects the heart, too.  It could result in endothelial dysfunction, meaning the wearing out of the inner lining of the artery, which is responsible for the smooth flow of blood. This, in turn, could hinder the smooth intake and outtake of blood from the heart, which may result in a stroke.

Coronavirus leads to some bodily changes, which lead to Hypercoagulation of Blood, making it thicker. This thickening of blood in addition to Endothelium Dysfunction increases the risk of blockage leading to Heart Attack.

Healthline mentions that up to one-fifth of the patients with COVID-19 have signs of heart disorders irrespective of respiratory symptoms.

Cardiologists report a marked increase in sudden cardiac deaths and believe that COVID-19 has a puzzling relationship with the heart. Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels have a greater risk of encountering cardiovascular disorders and other bodily changes such as Hypercoagulability (thickening of the blood).

 

Common Symptoms Between COVID-19 and Heart Diseases

 

Some symptoms that could indicate triggering of heart issues due to COVID-19 are:

1. Chest pain after physical activity.
2. Facial dropping on one side of the face.
3. Arm weakness or numbness on one side of the body. (especially on the left)
4. Loss of vision in some cases.
5. Prolonged periods of headache.
6. Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing at night associated with:
7. Leg Swelling
8. Dizziness
9. Fainting

All these symptoms happen to be shared among heart ailment issues and COVID-19 cases.

 

An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure

 

By the time, you must have been aware that heart health is well affected by COVID-19. But it’s never too late to try and make things right. You just need to follow some preventive measures and stay fit :

1. Wear a mask whenever you move out and avoid visiting public places or gatherings.
2. Early reporting of symptoms to a doctor is highly recommended.

3. During this crisis, avoid visiting clinics or hospitals and make the best use of telemedicine by staying updated with your medical appointments.

4. Never discontinue your medications unless recommended by your doctor.
5. It’s highly recommended to frequently monitor your blood pressure levels if you’re dealing with hypertension or heart failure.

6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle because it helps in fighting against all incoming disease. Follow the rule of early to bed, early to rise regularly.

7. Every morning after waking up, drink around one glass of warm water and expose yourself to sunlight for at least 30 minutes to boost your metabolism and also to ensure the proper supply of vitamin D1 in the body.

8. The breakfast you eat must include fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, or cereals. The lunch should be moderate, and the dinner should be served early. Avoid the consumption of non-veg food recipes.

9. Do engage in physical activities like walking and yoga.
10. Keep inhaling steam and gargle with warm water at regular intervals. Jalnethi can also be a beneficial practice.

 

Conclusion

 

As of now, we all can speak with full confidence in the motion of the fact that we are all in critical condition as a whole and extremely vulnerable to cardio diseases.

What is essential is to focus on a healthy lifestyle and employ methods to keep oneself safe from the virus and keep our hearts healthy. The abuse of lifestyle from modern-day society has already left us in a compromising position with health. With the onset of the second wave of COVID, it becomes necessary that we effectively stop this abuse.

At this point, we individuals should help each other, and together we should battle and face this detestable and deadly virus.

We can, and we will.

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