Keeping Your Heart Healthy During COVID-19

In our previous blog, we discussed the connection and impact COVID-19 has on the heart.  Now we will address common questions people are asking in regards to keeping their hearts healthy during the pandemic.  

Can people with heart disease get the COVID-19 vaccine? 

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are approved for most individuals with heart disease, and these people are in the vaccine priority group because of their elevated risk.  If you have questions or concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine, always consult your primary care physician or cardiologist. 

If I fall in the “at-risk” category, what can I do to lower my risk?

It is well documented that eating a healthy diet, exercising, taking your prescribed medications, avoiding excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs, getting enough sleep, and managing stress and your mental health are all important components in managing heart disease.  This remains true during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What is a heart-healthy diet? 

A heart-healthy diet is composed primarily of low-fat proteins like chicken or seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.  You should limit saturated fats and high sodium foods.  In addition, while carbohydrates are not linked directly to heart disease, the link between metabolic syndrome and heart disease would suggest limiting carbohydrates as well.  

How important is exercise? 

Exercise is an extremely important part of a healthy lifestyle and can improve heart health, blood pressure, symptoms of diabetes, mental health, and immunity.  However, the COVID-19 pandemic is not the time to become a weekend warrior.  It is more important to get consistent, less strenuous exercise than it is to incorporate new strenuous exercises into your routine.  If you have been active, stay active.  If you have been inactive, incorporate low-risk activities like walking into your day.  

Is it safe to visit my cardiologist during the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Yes.  Your cardiologist may set up a telemed visit, but if you need to visit in person, you can be confident in the screening and prevention methods taken at medical facilities. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19, it’s important to consult your cardiologist before being vaccinated and regarding routine checkups. 

Categorised in: Blog

This post was written by CJ Urgent Care of NJ