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Heart Health During COVID-19

By Marcia Burrell-Odeyemi, RN, PMHNP

Did you know that February is Heart Disease Month and that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a unique
influence on our heart health? SARS-CoV-2, the virus noted as being the cause of COVID-19, commonly
affects a person’s lungs, but it can also lead to serious heart problems. If a person experiences lung dam-

age caused by the virus, this leads to the heart muscle being deprived of adequate oxygen, which in turn

damages the tissue of the heart. A damaged heart in turn is unable to supply the rest of the body with ad-
equate oxygen. Stress is a major factor which causes direct and indirect impact on one’s cardiac health.
Heart related issues from COVID-19 include, increased blood pressure, blood clots in lower extremities or
other parts of the body, increased cholesterol, as well as increased chance of heart attack and stroke. Be-

low are a few heart health tips that I wanted to share.

Behaviors that have affected our heart health during this extended pandemic include:
• Physical inactivity because of mobile/teleworking leading to poor blood circulation
• Poor diet and weight gain due to stress eating and use of high caloric “comfort foods”
• Increased stress and fatigue due to the impact of COVID-19 on ones’ self, family, and friends
• Increased smoking and vaping

You can help to increase your heart health during and after the pandemic by:

• Taking mini movement breaks while teleworking (e.g., walking around at least once every hour)
• Getting regular blood pressure checks
• Taking your medication if you are taking antihypertensive medications
• Quitting or reducing smoking and vaping

• Increasing your intake of fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Limiting your intake of carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sweets.

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