Heart Health After COVID: Understanding the Risks & Protecting Yourself

COVID-19 might have faded from the headlines, but for many, its effects linger on – especially when it comes to heart health. Studies show that people who have recovered from even mild COVID infections can face an increased risk of heart problems like inflammation, irregular heartbeats, and even heart attacks. Don’t panic, but be aware. Let’s dive into how to minimize these risks and keep your heart healthy.

Now days many unexpected heart failure seen in India, USA, UK and more more countries. The sudden death of avid cyclist and fitness trainer Anil Kadsur from Banglore India, known as the ‘Century Cyclist’, has left Bengaluru’s cycling and fitness enthusiasts in shock. Anil Kadsur, a cycling enthusiast, had posted on the fitness tracking platform Strava on January 31 about completing 42 months of back-to-back 100 km rides

Understanding the COVID-Heart Connection

• Viral Impact: The COVID-19 virus can directly damage heart cells and blood vessels, leading to inflammation.
• Existing Conditions: COVID can worsen pre-existing heart conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Blood Clots: Increased clotting tendencies post-COVID can raise the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
• Long COVID: Some people experience lingering symptoms, including heart palpitations and chest pain.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

• Chest pain or pressure: It’s a red flag, so seek medical help immediately.
• Shortness of breath: Especially when it worsens with exertion or while lying down.
• Persistent fatigue: If it doesn’t improve with rest.
• Heart palpitations: Feeling like your heart is skipping beats or racing.
• Swelling in legs or ankles: Could indicate heart problems.

Protecting Your Heart: Daily Habits Matter

1. Healthy Eating: A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is key. Limit saturated fats, processed foods, and excessive salt.
2. Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent options.
3. Stress Management: Chronic stress harms your heart. Try yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
4. Sleep Well: 7-8 hours of quality sleep is essential for heart health and overall well-being.
5. Manage Existing Conditions: Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels by working with your doctor.
6. Quit Smoking: It’s one of the worst things you can do for your heart. Seek help if needed.

When to See a Doctor

• Don’t Ignore Symptoms: If you experience any of the warning signs mentioned earlier, consult your doctor.
• Post-COVID Checkups: It’s a good idea for COVID survivors to speak with their doctor about heart health monitoring, especially if you are at higher risk.

Conclusion

COVID-19’s impact on the heart is a serious concern, but knowledge is power. By adopting heart-healthy habits and staying vigilant about your health, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications down the line. Let’s make heart health a priority – starting today!

Additional Notes:

• Call to Action: Encourage readers to share the blog with loved ones who had COVID.
• Visuals: Include relevant images or diagrams of the heart to make the blog visually engaging.

Disclaimer: This blog is informational and should not replace professional medical advice.

Ayurveda Science opinion :

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a unique perspective on health and disease, emphasizing balance among the body, mind, and spirit. When considering heart health after COVID-19 from an Ayurvedic standpoint, it’s important to understand the risks and protective measures within this holistic framework. Ayurveda doesn’t directly mention COVID-19, as it’s a modern disease, but it does offer guidance on managing similar respiratory infections and their aftermath, including potential impacts on heart health.

Understanding the Risks

1. Imbalance of Doshas: Ayurveda believes health issues arise from imbalances in the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). COVID-19 may aggravate Vata and Pitta, leading to systemic inflammation and stress, which can affect heart health.

2. Dhatu Weakness: The dhatus (body tissues) may become weakened from the virus, specifically the rasa (plasma) and rakta (blood) dhatus, leading to poor circulation and heart function.

3. Ojas Depletion: Ojas is considered the essence of immunity in Ayurveda. A severe infection like COVID-19 can deplete ojas, leaving the body and heart more vulnerable to disease.

Protecting Yourself

1. Diet and Nutrition: Ayurveda emphasizes a sattvic diet to strengthen the heart and body. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and heart-healthy herbs like arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), garlic, and guggul (Commiphora wightii).

2. Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular physical activity, stress management through yoga and meditation, and adequate rest are crucial. Practices like Pranayama (breath control exercises) can improve lung and heart function.

3. Herbal Remedies: Ayurveda recommends several herbs for heart health, including Arjuna bark, which is known for its cardioprotective properties, and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), which can help manage stress and inflammation.

4. Panchakarma: This detoxification process is designed to cleanse the body and restore balance to the doshas. Specific therapies, such as Abhyanga (oil massage) and Basti (medicated enema), can be tailored to address heart health and post-COVID recovery.

5. Rasayana Therapy: After cleansing, rejuvenating therapies can help rebuild ojas, enhance vitality, and support heart function. Chyawanprash, a traditional Ayurvedic tonic made from a mixture of herbs, including Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), is often recommended for its revitalizing properties.

Conclusion

From an Ayurvedic perspective, recovery from COVID-19 and protecting heart health involves a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and detoxification therapies. It’s important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor recommendations to your specific constitution (Prakriti) and current state of balance (Vikriti), ensuring a personalized path to wellness.

While Ayurveda offers valuable insights into maintaining heart health after COVID-19, it’s crucial to also follow the guidance of modern medicine and healthcare professionals, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions or severe post-COVID symptoms.

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