SARS-CoV-2 infections are more severe in patients with previous illnesses than in healthy people – this also applies to cardiovascular illnesses such as arterial hypertension or coronary heart diseases. 40 percent of all people infected and hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 have a previous cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease.
COVID-19 – first experiences
According to a recent case series, nearly 20 percent of hospitalized Covid-19 patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. Almost 17 percent suffered from arrhythmias and acute heart damage occurred in 7 percent of the patients. Almost 9 percent of the patients suffered a shock, almost 4 percent acute kidney damage.
Current recommendations for cardiac risk patients
Covid-19 infection poses an increased risk, especially for cardiac risk patients. Experts from the American College of Cardiology have summarized current clinical recommendations:
- In risk areas, cardiac patients should be informed about the special risks (symptom coverage).
- Cardiac patients should be advised on additional protective measures (sneeze label, etc.).
- Fever should not be counted as a leading symptom, especially elderly patients do not suffer from elevated temperatures.
- Symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath should be given more weight.
- Guideline-compliant therapy for stabilizing plaques should be initiated
- Patients should be advised that the symptoms of Covid-19 can overlay the symptoms of a heart attack. There is therefore a risk of underdiagnosis.
- Vaccination as a possible measure to avoid complications in the event of infection (vaccination against whooping cough and pneumococci).
- Risk patients should be repeatedly warned that frequent hand washing and disinfection with virucidal preparations are an important part of infection control.
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