The article, published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, aims to serve as a guide for emergency-medicine doctors treating patients who may have or are known to have COVID-19.
The authors note that much attention has been paid to the breathing complications of COVID-19, but less has been said about the cardiovascular complications that can lead to death or lasting impairment.
"As we encounter more and more patients with COVID-19-related illness, we are increasing our understanding of its impact on the body in general and the cardiovascular system in particular," said William Brady, of UVA's Department of Emergency Medicine.
The researchers noted that heart failure is a particular concern in patients with COVID-19.
One study, the authors note, found that almost a quarter of COVID-19 patients -- 24 per cent -- were suffering acute heart failure when they were first diagnosed with the coronavirus.
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The cardiovascular complications can lead to death or lasting impairment. The authors state that it remains unclear if the heart failure was the result of COVID-19 specifically or if the virus was worsening undiagnosed heart failure.
Of the patients with heart failure, nearly half were not known to have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, they said.
The report also noted that COVID-19, and other diseases that cause severe inflammation throughout the body, increase the risk that fatty plaque built up in the blood vessels will rupture, leading to heart attacks and stroke.
Influenza and certain other viruses have been associated with increased risk of plaque ruptures within the first week after the disease was diagnosed, the authors noted in their review of the available COVID-19 medical literature.
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They also described potential drug interactions in COVID-19 patients.
For example, the highly publicised malaria drug hydroxychloroquine can interact with medications designed to regulate heart rhythm, in addition to causing heart damage and worsening cardiomyopathy, the authors said.
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Remdesivir, an antiviral that is the only COVID-19 treatment authorised by the FDA, can cause low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm, they said.
It's important for doctors to bear these interactions in mind when treating patients with COVID-19, the authors noted.
"As we gain more experience with this new pathogen, we realise that its adverse impact extends beyond the respiratory system," Brady added.
As fancy as it sounds, the idea of boosting immunity, has proven to be difficult to materialise in reality. For years, researchers from across the world have been struggling to figure out the accurate formula to achieve a good immune system. Until the formula is known, it is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle for an enhanced immune function, and to keep the body intact and healthy.
Making healthy lifestyle changes in terms of diet, exercise and managing stress, in addition to other factors, can go a long way in helping the immune system get the boost it requires.
On International Immunology Day, Chennai-based clinical nutritionist, lactation consultant and diabetes educator - Ramya Ramachandran - shares five tips that can give your life a healthy spin.
As fancy as it sounds, the idea of boosting immunity, has proven to be difficult to materialise in reality. For years, researchers from across the world have been struggling to figure out the accurat..
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A balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients can do wonders in boosting a person’s immunity, and keeping you away from diseases.
Ginger, garlic, star anise, omega-3 fats, flax seeds are some foods that have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. These can be included in your meals daily. It’s also important to focus on micronutrients which have a major impact on health.
To add the required amount of micronutrients to any diet, one can look at home fortification as an alternative. In this method, a commercially available product is conveniently utilised on a daily basis to prevent nutrition deficiencies. Power mixes of rice and flour avaiable in the market is one such example of food fortification, which increases the micronutrient value of home-cooked meals.
A balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients can do wonders in boosting a person’s immunity, and keeping you away from diseases.Ginger, garlic, star anise, omega-3 fats, flax seeds are some foo..
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This is one of the basic requirements. Smoking is a big ‘NO’ for the overall wellbeing of the body as it negatively impacts on both adaptive and innate immunity. It slowly kills the natural effectiveness of the immune system’s defences. If you are a regular smoker, it is advisable to quit it as soon as possible. One can also adopt alternatives like nicotine patches as it can helps to quit smoking and are relatively less harmful.
This is one of the basic requirements. Smoking is a big ‘NO’ for the overall wellbeing of the body as it negatively impacts on both adaptive and innate immunity. It slowly kills the natural effective..
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Chronic stress is responsible for releasing hormone cortisol, which can ruin the overall immune response of the body. Meditation goes a long way in keeping stress in check. Various mobile-based apps can help one to remain peaceful and mindful throughout the day with various features. Other healthy strategies to deal with stress may include yoga and pranayama.
Chronic stress is responsible for releasing hormone cortisol, which can ruin the overall immune response of the body. Meditation goes a long way in keeping stress in check. Various mobile-based apps ..
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Most of us underestimate the power and importance of adequate sound and refreshing sleep. Lack of proper sleep can activate the inflammatory immune response, which can reduce reactivity to vaccines, further leading to the release of excess stress hormones. It will ultimately weaken the immune system.
A minimum of 7-8 hours of regular sleep is a must to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, and help the body’s T-Cells (also known as immune cells) to kill the pathogens. A night of good sleep also helps in burning calories.
Most of us underestimate the power and importance of adequate sound and refreshing sleep. Lack of proper sleep can activate the inflammatory immune response, which can reduce reactivity to vaccines, ..
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Exercise reduces inflammation and supports the white blood cells, which means a little workout can help you become healthy. It is also scientifically proven that working out regularly can boost your immune system. However, exercising needs to be done in a moderate way.
You can opt for bodyweight movements like lunges, push-ups, burpees, and other exercises to get a sweat on, and get a quick full-body workout at home, without any equipment. There are many apps that offer workouts that can be performed at home with guidance and support.
A physically active lifestyle is beneficial in warding off the bacterial and viral infections suggesting that immune strength is enriched with regular bouts of exercise.
Exercise reduces inflammation and supports the white blood cells, which means a little workout can help you become healthy. It is also scientifically proven that working out regularly can boost your ..
